Costa Crew: One More Shot

Chapter 10 - Target Number One

Joanne's face split into an enormous smile as Hannah entered. At the counter she was talking to a young man, about two years older than her, dressed in a crisp suit and tie. Hannah had seen him in the cafe many times, though he normally sat at the back drinking coffee and reading a book.

"Here she is," said Joanne. "Courtney, this is my boss. Anthony, this is Courtney Beckett, the one the boss has been paying special attention to."

Anthony extended his hand. "Miss Beckett, it's a pleasure to meet you. We've been very impressed with your performance over the last couple of months. I hope you realise that we are giving you full knowledge of our small operations, and I hope you see this as a symbol of trust."

Hannah nodded eagerly as they shook hands. "I do. Your boss has helped me out a great deal since I arrived here, I'd like to do the same for them."

Anthony smiled. "You're one of a kind. I'll admit, I was reluctant to accept you at first. Pretty girl like you, I thought you might get cold feet or snitch on us. Now we know you're dedicated to us, we think you could help us with our main operation. You'll even meet the boss."

Hannah grinned. "Seriously?"

Anthony nodded. "This is all I can discuss here. Why don't you come home with me and I'll tell you all about it?"

Hannah nodded reluctantly. She had been looking forward to a hot chocolate, and something about this Anthony guy gave her the creeps. But the opportunity to plant a bug in Anthony's house was too good to miss.

They drove to Anthony's house in silence, until he snorted. "What?" asked Hannah.

Anthony laughed again. "Oh, it's nothing. Well, it's silly, but… well, Joanne said you were exactly what we needed. She never mentioned you were a looker."

Hannah shifted uncomfortably. "No," she said. "Sorry. It's nothing personal, you seem nice, but we've only just met."

Anthony scowled but nodded. "Of course. We should get to know each other first."

Hannah couldn't believe her ears. This was one of The Godfather's inner circle, and here he was trying to chat her up?

The moment they were inside his house Anthony pulled out a gun. "I want to make one thing clear," he said. "We have no tolerance for disloyalty. You make one move against us, the boss will order your death and I for one will be happy to oblige. Do I make myself clear, Courtney?"

Hannah nodded slowly, her eyes fixed on the gun. Anthony smiled and tucked it away. "Right then," he said. "You can get excited now."

"I'm sure we can," said Becky to herself, frantically establishing a link to Anthony's phone. "Paul, John, you'll want to hear this. Say hello to the Godfather."

"Your Majesty," said Anthony. "Me again."

"Don't call me that," snarled the irritated voice on the other end. "You're the only person with the privilege to know my name, don't waste it."

Becky froze. "I know that voice."

Paul gasped. "No," he whispered. "It can't be."

"I can't use your name, I've got Beckett here," said Anthony, as if this was the most obvious thing in the world. "And be realistic, you wouldn't have told me your name if I didn't already know it."

"Not necessarily," the other voice snapped. "And if Beckett's there, quit messing about and put me through to her."

"Who else would it be?" said Becky to herself. "It would only ever be her."

"Hello?" said Hannah's voice.

"Courtney Beckett," the other voice said jovially. "It's a pleasure to be able to speak to you."

"It's an honour, ma'am," said Hannah. "I've heard so many great things about you. You're the one in charge, aren't you?"

The other voice chuckled. "That's me. Don't listen to Anthony, nobody calls me Her Majesty. I've been very impressed with your performance. Truth be told, I had to speak to you to be sure that you weren't my next target working undercover."

"I hope not," Hannah laughed. "They say the next target is personal."

"Yes, and you're going to help me. Doubtless Anthony's told you what happens to traitors, so I'm going to go ahead assuming I can trust you. Do you know the name Rebecca Hidgens?"

"Doesn't ring any bells," replied Hannah, trying to hide her shock. That voice. She knew that voice, she was sure of it. Becky's name confirmed all her worst fears.

The other voice sounded smug. "Well, she was always in my way. All through school I was fighting to stop her from preventing my greatness.  She even reported me to the school for bullying her. But she ain't seen nothing yet."

"Revenge?" asked Hannah, sounding shocked.

A chuckle. "I've been planning this for a while. Partly revenge, I'll admit. But I've risen higher than any in this business and Rebecca Hidgens is the only one capable of stopping me. So I'm going to make sure that doesn't happen."

Fighting to keep her voice steady, Hannah asked, "What do you need me to do?"

"When I have Hidgens brought to me I need you and Anthony by my side. Good cop, bad cop. She's going to come willingly to us, you're going to make sure of it. You'll persuade her that her best option is coming to me and Anthony will let her know what's coming if she doesn't. Bring her to Anthony's house, then you keep an eye on security - I don't want any cops coming in. Anthony said you weren't one for violence, so it'd be best if you weren't there when Hidgens and I come face to face."

Hannah was silent for a moment, taking this in. "Got it, boss."

"Excellent. Pass the phone back to Anthony."

"Go to Monroe, get blueprints of that house," said John sharply to Becky. "I want a strategy planned by nightfall."

As Becky left, John and Paul turned their attention back to Anthony and the mysterious caller. "You're sure about this?" Anthony whispered.

"Absolutely," said the other voice calmly. "She's heard my voice, she knows too much. I want you ready to kill her as soon as Rebecca Hidgens is dead."

"And the usual procedure for the bodies?" asked Anthony.

"Don't worry," said the other voice reassuringly. "It's just a routine job, only much more satisfying."

"And I'll get my share?" asked Anthony eagerly.

"My dear," said the other voice. "You will have everything you desire."