Chapter 2

“Addy, there’s something on your face.”

“Huh?” Adeline was instantly suspicious.

“Yeah, it’s weird.” Concerned, Sebastian leaned in and rubbed her cheek with his thumb. “Wait a minute!” He sat back. “That’s right—your face always looks weird.”

“Shut up! You’re worse than Jacob!” she huffed. “And you’re one to talk.”

“I don’t even know what you’re trying to imply.” He ran his hand through his hair, making it tumble in a dozen different directions. “I have many admirers.” He gave her a wink.

“Whatever.” She rolled her eyes and turned away, making a show of pulling her headphones out of her backpack and sticking them over her ears.

Sebastian mimicked her with over-exaggerated movements and faces, and she couldn’t help but smile. He was just one of those people who you couldn’t help but like even though he’d drive you insane.

The rolling melody of a piano filled her ears, and she closed her eyes, enraptured, fingers tapping her knees as if there were invisible piano keys. But gradually, the feeling began to fade.

I hope Jacob’s okay; I know things aren’t going as well with the company as he makes it sound. Stupid Craybons.

Adeline pursed her lips, digging her fingers into her thighs.

They’re not even worth getting mad at and ruining my day.

The scenery outside her window changed from bright storefronts and clogged streets to rolling hills and rustic homes. What would it be like to live in one of those two-story brick houses with the porch swing and fenced-in yard? Or the one with the garden and chickens?

The car turned down a road that looked like it hadn’t been paved in years. Trees pressed along its borders, limbs intertwined like an archway over its surface. Adeline strained to see into the depths of the woods, hoping to see a deer or two.

After ten minutes or so, she gave up. And anyway, they were almost at their destination. She took her headphones off and tucked them back in her backpack.

“You brought your mask, right?” Sebastian asked.

“Of course I did.”

He nodded as he looked back out the window. “Just checkin’.”

The car made its final turn down a rough, dirt road. Here, unseen cameras watched their every move.

Finally, they came to a stop outside two large metal gates, which creaked slowly inward. Ivy drove within the compound’s wall. Buildings crawled haphazardly across the space, concrete roofs painted to resemble the tops of trees. The place was deserted aside from the two men who stood, guns slung across their backs and lower half of their faces concealed by black masks. Ivy stopped the car, and one man opened Adeline’s door while the other opened Sebastian’s.

“Thanks.” Adeline shouldered her backpack and started walking towards the entrance of the nearest building, Sebastian catching up.

“Excited to take a look at the new shipment?” he asked with a grin.

“Of course, but I don’t know if we’ll have time; we’re running a little behind, though I’m not sure how that happened.”

“Allow me.” He opened the door, but just as Adeline went to walk through, he cut in front of her and released the door.

“Jerk,” she muttered as he laughed at her for what seemed like the hundredth time that day.

Crates were stacked along the wall to the left of the door, while safes lined the far one. There were more crates and boxes on the catwalk, which someone would toss a package from every now and again.

“Good morning, Addy!” a girl called from above her.

“Hey, Steph!” she answered absently, scanning the room for any new looking crates.

Sebastian stretched out, snagging the package Steph dropped and tossing it to a guy standing nearby.

“Yo, let’s go check that shipment.”

Adeline searched for the owner of the voice. With brown hair, green eyes, and freckles, William looked younger than his twenty-five years and had an air of deceptive innocence. He slung his arm across her shoulders and steered her towards a stack of long crates in front of the safes.

“I’ve already checked, and it’s all there, but I know you’ll want to see them, anyway.”

“Um, yes please!” Although she wasn’t as excited as Sebastian was, she had been waiting a while for this particular shipment to finally appear.

Sebastian removed the lid of the crate, eyes lighting up like a kid’s on Christmas Day. “I need one, Will, I need one.” He fidgeted excitedly before chewing on one of his fingernails to resist the impulse to pick one up.

Adeline admired the sniper rifles stored inside. “Even with one of these, you couldn’t hit an elephant with a backside the size of Texas.”

“Shush, you’re ruining the moment.” He didn’t even look up as he waved her off.

She made a face and swatted his hand away before he hit her nose.

“I just have to grab my briefcase and a portfolio really quick, and then we can go,” Will said. “Be right back.”

He walked away, whistling softly to himself, thumbs hooked in the pockets of his cargo pants.

With a heavy sigh, Sebastian replaced the lid, looking like it caused him physical pain to do so. Then he gave it a loving pat.

“Come on, let’s go,” Adeline said, trying to keep from laughing. “They’re not going anywhere.”

“City witch,” he said, pretending to be disgusted and making a point of hitting her shoulder as he walked past.

“Like, what is that even supposed to mean?” She threw up her hands as she followed him to one of the safes.

Sebastian typed in the password on the small touchscreen. There was an almost inaudible click and he pulled the door open to reveal a variety of weapons. Adeline grabbed two silver brass knuckles adorned with blades extending from either end.

“So we’re being impractical today,” Sebastian remarked.

“Do you want to be punched?” she asked, raising an eyebrow and cocking her fist back.

“Not particularly, no.” He crouched down. “Okay. Now we can have a conversation on your level.”

“Agh! You are so annoying!” she huffed.

He just laughed.

“Well, are you going to grab something or not?”

“Nah, I’ve already got everything I need,” he said, serious now.

Even though they weren’t visible, Adeline knew there was a handgun located at the small of his back, a knife in each boot, and probably more tucked away in places she didn’t know about.

“I guess you’re right about these being impractical.” She hated to admit it, but for once, Sebastian had no comment to make as she chose a more subtle pair of brass knuckles. These resembled rings with a reverse-diamond shaped metal piece that was deceptively sharp. The black color made them seem just like unique accessories to her outfit.

She closed the safe and the two walked back outside to the car, where Ivy had been patiently waiting. Less than a few minutes later, Will, joined them, and they were on their way.

“They still haven’t said what it is exactly what they want,” Will said.

“Rich people, amiright?” Sebastian muttered with a wry smile at Adeline.

“Ehem.” Adeline cleared her throat.

“Oh, sorry. Present company included.”

Well, I certainly set myself up there.

“I guess we’ll deal with that when we get there,” she shrugged.

They were quiet the rest of the long drive, which was fine with Adeline. It’s not like there was much to talk about.

“This is a nice place,” Sebastian commented as they stopped outside the ornate metal gate.

A high, grey stone wall stretched from either side into the distance.

The gates opened, and they drove up the long driveway. The lawn was perfectly manicured with exquisite gardens and rock pathways that wove around crystalline fish pools and rock statues. The fountain that caught Adeline’s gaze was a rearing Pegasus, water shooting out from between its wings. A hazy rainbow hung in the droplets overhead.

The white mansion was at least five stories, with several balconies, gardens, and fountains on the level areas of the roof. Carefully clipped ivy vines wound around the pillars of the huge front porch; water fell in a thin veil on the left and right side into a shallow pool that bordered it and the five yards or so of the walkway that led up to it.

Adeline had to agree—this place was gorgeous.

Ivy stopped before the Pegasus fountain to let the three of them out.

“Wait, wait!” Adeline dug around in the backpack for the mask she’d tucked in it earlier. Made of a soft, silky material, it looped over her ears and covered the lower half of her face.

“Okay, now I’m ready.”

Boy, I really need a bathroom.

She smoothed her dress out as Will straightened his suit coat and Sebastian put on his own mask.

They climbed up the wide stairs and approached the door, which swung open before they even reached it.

“Right this way, please.” The grim-looking man motioned down a long, sunny hallway.

Unsmiling men and women watched them from their portrait vantage points on the wall.

They turned the corner into a vast room with a high ceiling. The side that faced the swimming pool and patio in the courtyard had floor-to-ceiling windows just like Adeline’s house. Long, light tan couches formed a large square around a low table in the center.

It was on these that a man and woman in their early forties and a young man in his twenties were seated, facing the approaching group.

The couple wore identical expressions—mouths set in a straight line, posture stiff and eyes calculating. The young man, on the other hand, seemed more relaxed, looking each of them over, eyes lingering on Adeline.

Her fingers tightened around the rings.

He’s a scumbag for sure.

“Mr. Reich, Mrs. Reich,” Will nodded. “I hope today finds you in good health.”

“Thank you,” Mr. Reich said, motioning for the three of them to sit down.

Sebastian sat down on a couch to their left and Will on the right, while Adeline sat opposite them.

“So you contacted my organization a few weeks ago to arrange a meeting to discuss services,” Will said.

Adeline discreetly looked around. There had to be bodyguards everywhere in case they tried something, though she couldn’t spot any—which made her even more curious. There were no visible cameras, no mirrors or paintings on the bare wall behind the Reichs.

Maybe they’re hiding in various rooms around the place. Those two sliding doors probably lead to a dining room.

“What exactly is it that you’re looking for?”

“I would like to hire someone to look into the past of … an acquaintance of mine.” Mr. Reich shifted uncomfortably in his seat, gaze flitting toward the patio and back.

Must have some bodyguards out there.

Sebastian laughed, tossing his head back. Mr. Reich’s head turned sharply in his direction.

“I’m sorry, but if you’re looking for someone to dig dirt up on a rival, you’ve come to the wrong person,” Will said, leaning back into the couch, briefly making eye contact with Adeline out of the corner of his eye.

“Just name your price,” the older man tried to bargain. “Money, protection, services of some sort…”

“That’s something we’re not selling, no matter how high you’re willing to go.”

“Not even if we offered a few million dollars?” Mrs. Reich inquired.

“No.”

“You’re sure? Name your price! We were told that you…”

“Whoever told you that was mistaken,” Will cut her off, frowning. “Now, if that’s all you wanted, then we’ll be on our way.”

Adeline and Sebastian stood up as if they were going to leave.

“No. That’s not all,” Mr. Reich said quickly, half rising, eyes flickering from one to the other.

“Alright. What can I get you, then?” Will leaned forward, an eyebrow raised, eyes glittering ominously.

“What kind of weapons do you sell?”

“Anything you’re looking for. Though, I’m going to have to ask why it is you can’t buy these more … legally.”

“Does that matter?” Mrs. Reich tried to look calm, but her eyes gave away just how irritated she truly was.

Will didn’t answer, eyes narrowing.

“I’ve recently been … concerned about the protection of my family,” Mr. Reich said smoothly. “I would like to be prepared without arousing suspicions or raising any flags. And besides, I get the guns I actually want for cheaper through your organization.”

“I see.”

Will turned his head to look at Adeline before giving his answer. “Alright, I’m listening.”

“Excuse me, may I use your bathroom?” Adeline cringed internally at how stupid she probably sounded right now.

In fact, everyone seemed surprised—Will had an “are-you-totally-serious-right-now?!” expression and even though most of his face was obscured by the mask, Adeline could tell Sebastian was smirking.

“Of course.” Mrs. Reich displayed a smile as fake as her lips.

“I’ll show you where it is.” The young man stood and displayed a more genuine smile.

“Thank you.”

Adeline followed him down the hallway, eyes fixed straight ahead. They walked across the polished wooden floor of the foyer and down the hall on the other side. It was identical to the previous one, even down to the creepy portraits of long-gone family members.

“Why the mask? You’re pretty cute with it on, must be even cuter without it,” he said at last.

Oh. My. Goodness. Like what do you think I’m going to do, rip off the mask and I don’t know, kiss you?!

She bit the inside of her cheek to keep the words from spilling out.

“Right here.” He turned suddenly to the right, brushing against her as he did so. “Just through that doorway is the toilet.”

“Thank you,” she said, even though all she wanted to do was slap him.

The doorway was at the other end of this room. On one side was an in-ground hot tub with tropical plants around it, and on the other was a huge marble counter with four sinks spaced evenly along its length. A mirror stretched from one end to the other.

Even for Adeline, this seemed a bit over the top.

In the next room was a shower, a tub that one might have mistaken for a swimming pool, more sinks, and another mirror. She shut the door and quickly used the bathroom.

Well, if they have this much money to be spending on their bathroom, then they have much more to buy black market weapons with.

She washed and dried her hands before slipping her rings back on. When she opened the door, the son was still standing where she’d left him, arms crossed over his chest with a smirk in place.

“You aren’t going to take that mask off, are you?”

Um, no, you creep. She glared at him as she swept past.

“You’re not one for talking much, huh? But I never liked the nagging ones.”

And you don’t know when to stop talking. She couldn’t get back to the others quickly enough. Halfway down the hallway, he wrapped his arm around her waist. That was unforgivable. She spun around, grabbing his arm and twisting it painfully into a police hold.

“Don’t touch me again; don’t even breathe in my direction,” she snarled. Then she let him go with a shove. He stumbled out of her way as she covered the last few feet.

Sebastian was standing, eyes finding Adeline’s immediately. He didn’t look happy.

Wonder what happened while I was gone. Or did he see what just happened?

She sat down quickly on the couch Sebastian was standing in front of. The creep walked past to his own seat, rubbing his shoulder, Sebastian glaring at him the whole time.

“It was a pleasure doing business,” Will was saying, placing several stacks of Benjamins into his briefcase. He shut it and it locked with a soft click.

“The pleasure was all mine.” Mr. Reich stood, leaning over the table to shake his hand, smile so greasy it could be labeled as an oil spill.

“Until next time.” Will stood straightening his suit coat. He nodded to Mrs. Reich and the son and picked up his briefcase.

Sebastian and Adeline moved to flank him and, silently, they headed towards the exit. The same old man was waiting for them by the door, and Will thanked him.

It wasn’t until they were outside the gates that anyone spoke.

“That—” Sebastian exploded.

“They were—” Adeline began at the same time. “Oh, sorry.”

“Go ahead.”

“Uh, I was just going to say, they seemed a little bit fishy.”

“Yes, but I did some background research and their record’s clean. We shouldn’t have to worry about what they use those guns for,” Will assured her. “They certainly paid well, too.”

“Give me some of that.” Adeline stretched forward, watching eagerly over the back of Will’s seat as he opened the briefcase. She looked at Sebastian, who still looked angry. “What were you going to say?”

“That … that disgusting creep touched you!” he yelled.

“Yeah, and I let him have it!” Adeline was getting angry again just talking about it. “I was this close to punching him, but that could have cost us the deal.”

“Who cares about that?! It would have been well deserved!” He stared at the window, jaw clenched, fingers curled into tight fists.

“Oh, trust me, he’ll be feeling it for a while. I’m not going to let him get to me.” She took a deep breath.

“There.” Will sat with the opened briefcase in his lap, looking upset. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine now. No use stewing over it. But if I ever see him again … When you deliver the weapons and collect the rest of the money, charge them extra. If they want to know why, tell them their son harassed the wrong person.”

Will nodded.

“But seriously, look at this!”She snatched one of the stacks of hundred dollar bills and inhaled loudly. “Ah, the smell of money!” Then, grinning like an idiot, she started fanning herself with it.

“She’s never seen money before—how adorable,” Sebastian grumbled.

She snorted and looked heavenwards.“Oh, please. I blow my nose with hundred dollar bills.”

“Do you even wipe your nose that often, though?”

“I swear, I will punch you!” She swatted in his general direction, and one of his arms shot out. He grabbed her wrist.

“We have a one-on-one training session today, so you’ll have your chance then.” He grinned that all too familiar you’re-going-to-die-at-my-hand grin as she jerked her wrist free.

Disgusted, Adeline flopped back into her seat, tossing the bundle of money at him. He skillfully caught it, pulled one out, and blew his nose with it.

“So do I, Adeline. So.” He blew his nose with another one. “Do.” And another. “I.” And another.