The Killers Freedom

Chapter Four: Get Home Safe

Getting ready was a task in and of itself. I had to disguise anything about my facial features that make me look like me so that I can never be caught. I have become a professional at makeup and sometimes applying fake noses or contacts when I feel extra careful about covering up my identity.

I decided upon a blonde wig from my selection. Currently I own over thirty different wigs of every shape, size and color I have ever needed. This one in particular is a favorite of mine. Long blonde hair that reaches my waist with beach curls that make it look like I have been swimming in the ocean all day and decided to let my hair air dry. It has simple highlights throughout that complement my tanned skin and the way it shapes my face makes me feel as though I should have become a model instead of a trained killer, but a girl can only dream right?

Since my conversation with Stryker I decided tonight I needed to be extra careful with my identity and added a fake nose piece and blue colored contacts. I did my makeup more heavy than I normally would, contoured my face to match my new nose and put on darker smokey eye shadow with a hint of blue to bring out the colored eyes I will be wearing tonight.

Once my face was unrecognizable as my own, I unzip the dress bag that Stryker brought over knowing it will contain something low cut and revealing. He has a specific designer make my dresses and they have always turned out more beautiful than the last so I know tonight will be no exception to that rule, especially considering the circumstances for tonight's events.

The dress was a beautiful deep royal blue, it had a long slit up the right leg that went just above the hip which would make it hard to pair with any underwear I own. The bottom of the dress was floor length and a solid fabric while the top was skin tight and hugged all my curves perfectly and was covered in a delicate lace that matched the color of the rest of the dress. It held a dangerously low cut down the front and was held on me by the thin fabric lacing my shoulders. The back of the dress was open down to the lower part of my spine. I always knew how nervous Stryker was about an assignment based on the amount of skin he wanted me to show. I could read him like a book which he hated because it means he's becoming predictable and in our line of work that is dangerous.

Tonight's outfit will be paired with a pair of silver heels, the heel part of the shoes containing poison for tonight's events, a matching set of diamond earrings and a simple diamond necklace that I found in the black bag attached to the dress bag. I own one silver handbag that matches every single dress and outfit I have ever gone on assignments with and that is because it fits everything I need inside without drawing any attention to it.

After finishing up I made my way to the vehicle that was parked outside my place and double checked that I had absolutely everything I would need for tonight. The driver was always the same man, Leo, a short and stout man with a mustache placed on his top lip that reminded me of those cop shows I love to watch on the television. He has always been so kind to me seeing he has been my driver since I was eight years old. Leo has a wife and three children that all stay in one of the estates surrounding Strykers mansion. For me it's about a thirty minute run through the forest to get to the edge of the fencing that surrounds the estates. Most of his men stay in the houses he has provided, it lets them get to him quicker since they are always on call.

"Good evening, Betty, and might I add you look beautiful as always. This particular hairstyle is making an appearance again I see. Tonight must be a big night?" Leo was one of three people in this world that knows my real name and he is the only person I have ever allowed to call me by it instead of Bugs.

Bugs is a name that stuck when I started training with Joseph. There would be nights we would have to camp out in the middle of the woods as part of our training and where he hated anything that had to do with the outdoors, I would sleep in a hammock exposed to all the elements around me. One day he called me Bugs and it stuck becoming the only name I have gone by for many years sometimes forgetting the sound of my birth name.

"Hi Leo, it is always a breath of fresh air to see your smiling face. How is your family doing? Did Mary get the birthday gift I dropped off?" I pause wondering if I should continue, Leo has been more of a father figure to me than anyone and I wanted to press him for information about why I am delivering to Joseph because he hears everything that goes on in our world. He's got a knack for knowing what he shouldn't,, "You've heard about my assignment tonight right?"

"You know I cannot discuss that with you Ms. And Mary loved the gift, she teases the kids that she is your favorite since you spoil her so well." He lets out a soft chuckle at the thought of his beautiful wife and kids. I take a slow breath in, I know if he goes against Stryker it can cost him his life. But, I also know there is something that is being hidden from me. It isn't a coincidence that I was assigned this specific person, or that Stryker showed up to my place this morning, or that out of the blue I am going to Russia to deliver to a man who I hate with every breath I take.

I sat and stared out the window watching the countryside disappear and the busy city lights engulf us.

"Leo, I need you to tell me why they are sending me to Russia to deliver to Joseph. This is the only time I have ever asked you to go against Stryker and I am begging you to tell me everything you know before I get in over my head with this."

I could feel the vehicle come to a stop and just like that I knew my time was up, nothing more would be spoken other than a goodbye kiss on my left cheek. Leo's way of saying get home safe.

And as quick as he arrived to pick me up, he drove off into the busy streets that surrounded me. Filled with cars that I could only dream of driving one day. People sharing laughs and taking pictures of each other, wanting to remember these moments forever. Businesses booming with customers waiting for the next open table or next seat at the bar. Colors that seemed to blend together in perfect harmony everywhere I turned. This city was filled with so much life, so much character and personality, but I know I will never be a part of that.

One more look at myself in the glass window ahead of me and I walk slightly down the busy road to the Gala that awaits. Jaxson, here I come.

***********

Double update day!

Leo is the cutest isn't he? His character is actually based personality wise off of a person I know, loving but loyal.

Hope you are all enjoying the story so far!

-H