Shotguns and Roses

The meeting

Katelynn POV
"Why hello, Cobra, and Anaconda. I'm glad you could make it - please take a seat," a voice I know a little more than I feel I should have said, seemingly sweeter than anyone with his reputation could possibly manage to. Cobra sat down at the long table, and I took the chair next to him, looking curiously at the other people seated around us. It took me a second, but suddenly I recognized nearly all of them as well-known, dangerous, and honestly terrifying assassins. Knowing that this must be a really serious matter for all of these people to be here, I began to treat it as such. I sat up straighter, and could hear Cobra doing the same in the seat next to me.
"I bet you're all wondering what I brought you in for," Mr. Arrow said, and all eyes immediately landed on him. "And since I'd rather not be stabbed, shot, or punched, you won't have to wait very long." He pulled a folder out of his briefcase, and flipped it open, not indicating whether or not we were going to receive any of that information.

"You see, an informant has provided me with the intel that one of my main enemies is planning a raid on... an undisclosed location. So, I've decided that we are going to attack them first - that way they can't come at us. If they're too busy trying to repair what we broke, then they can't attack - at least for a while. And that, my friends, is where you come in. I need a team to go in, steal ALL of their data, and then promptly blow the place up," he explained, his hand coming down on the table to dramatize "blow up." Apparently, he could sense what everyone was wondering, because he spoke up again. "You will, of course, be paid handsomely for this task - do not doubt it."

Everyone cast sideways glances at each other, mulling over and perhaps considering his offer. It was silent until someone stood and voiced their opinion. He was tall, probably around 6'2, and wore an orange-red cat mask over his face. I immediately recognized him as the leader of
a big team of well known assassins known simply as "the cats." He was known to have few enemies... due to the fact that he had killed them all.

"Well... my answer depends on one thing," he said boldly to Mr. Arrow. There was no fear in his voice, even when speaking to such a powerful man. I was more than impressed.

"Oh? What would that condition be, Ginger?" Mr. Arrow asked, still in his formal buisnessman voice.

"Who is this aforementioned enemy of yours?" The man I now knew as Ginger asked.

"Ah, a fair question Ginger. Your answer is the ____ family." He said this with a finality in his voice - we knew that there was no way he'd even think about changing his mind. Everyone looked at each other with worry - this isn't exactly the type of group you'd want to end up on the wrong side of.

"You have the Cat Clan on your side," Ginger conceded after a long pause. All eyes were now on him, which was understandable because I have to admit it's kind of weird for him to choose sides so quickly. There must be something else going on, but I couldn't figure it out. Luckily, I'd never have to ask because Mr. Arrow did so for me.

"May I inquire the reason why you have cold blood against them?" Mr Arrow said in a kind voice - the type with a dangerous undertone. I stayed still in my seat, attention completely focused on the two men, wondering how this would all play out. I was at a loss, and more than happy to observe.

"No cold blood, per se... just a small grudge. They killed one of my members to prove a point, and I just want to make sure that they see I got the message and kindly decline," Ginger told him. Mr. Arrow seemed satisfied with his answer, and nodded. Ginger sat down after that.

"You have our team backing you up as well,"
another person said as he stood up. I didn't recognize him at first, but as soon as I saw the insignia on his hoodie I inwardly shuddered. I didn't know who he was exactly, but I knew his team. He was a higher-up member of 'The Beasts,' some of the most terrifying people on planet Earth. I've only ever met one other higher-up besides this guy... and let's just say that I'm glad he had no interest in attacking me. I doubt I would have survived.