The Archer (18+)

XVII

After countless hours of unpacking and sorting in the basement, my trio was finally done with the weapons. We grabbed the mission folders on the new target from the crates and headed back to the living room.

After Bleu found out that the police hadn't discovered anything substantial, and most likely won't ever trace anything back to us, she called it a day.

We waited for Jackson. As soon as he returned he pulled out his computer while taking a seat at the couch.

I took this as my opportunity to tell him every last detail about the mission. Even the slight detail about the second target. I told him about the encounters and our expectations. He would be joining us as a Poly so he deserved to know.

I would soon have to call my mother and inform her about this small addition. We most definitely needed a Poly if not anything else. Plus she was quite fond of Jackson, having seeing him grow up.

After telling him all the necessary details, we sat in silence, sorting through the mission folders while he started doing something on his laptop.

Ivan was a man in his 40s. One that had eyes the color of wet mud that crinkled at the corners. He was well-built for his age and didn't look a day over 30.

He was a senator's son that had some deep ties in the mafia. Instead of going into politics full-time, he was the head of the Russian Mafia. They were in big business with the Italians.

Not before long, Jackson broke the silence of the room.

"I have good news." He proudly stated.

The girls whom were nodding off to sleep suddenly sat up alert.

"What is it?" Raine yawned.

"The second target, Ivan, and his entourage had officially landed in Italy about 14 hours ago. The Teschi is throwing some big ball as a welcome gift for the Russians."

"So what?" I asked warily.

"Don't you see an opportunity?" He questioned cautiously. "I- I mean, you don't have to." His eyes nervously dipped to the holster strapped to my side.

"It doesn't seem like a bad idea." Bleu suggested.

"A ball you say?" I started considering the possibilities.

"Yes it starts at seven sharp and Pierre Aurelio is hosting. However, I'm guessing the place might be overflowing with security since the port incident this morning. If it's a risk you want to take then I say go for it."

"How do you even know about this? I just told you about the mission and you find out this much already?" I asked him suddenly.

"Ay! This is my job. I have my ways."

"You all aren't too tired from this morning?" I asked looking around.

They all looked exhausted but no one objected.

"Cutthroat are you okay?"

She sat up straighter, placing her feet which were curled underneath her, on the carpeted floor.

She nodded slightly, pressing her lips into a smile that didn't reach her dull blue eyes. I felt sympathy for her. She was clearly battling with whatever problems. However, I didn't want to make it seem as if I was choosing favourites, especially since there was someone with a real physical injury.

"Bleu you think you can handle it? Wait, can she handle it?" I turned to Jackson that stitched her up.

"As long as she doesn't use excessive force to rip the stitches then it's fine with some painkillers."