5. P R E D A T O R S : Nightmares

Part I: CHAPTER II

Meadowvale Café was half-empty at 7 A.M. One of XXNW's interns, a Cervidian (deer-shifter) Havenite named Camilla Jimenez, sat at one of the tables, typing up a report on her laptop while simultaneously conversing with Barikiwa Namungu, the interim director of Xirxine. "So you had a chat with the PM, huh, sir?" she asked, smiling as her fingers danced on the keyboard. "I heard she was nice. Did you talk a lot?"

"We discussed what needed discussing."

"Mm-hm." Camilla hit the "enter" key. "Is she cute?"

"This meeting was strictly professional, Camilla," Bari reminded her, sounding somewhat annoyed.

"You met at Niagara Falls," Camilla pointed out. "The good side. That doesn't sound 'professional'." She smirked. "Tut-tut, Mr. Director! How do you think Miss Snake feels?"

"I'm not sure, Camilla," Bari replied wearily. "She hasn't spoken to me since the meeting ended."

"Oh, really? Are you on your way back to Berlin?"

"Yes. We're in the air right now."

Camilla winced. "Oof. At least Taxi's there to mediate."

"Taxi stayed behind to enjoy Niagara in all its glory." Bari paused and then added, "And Fudge Factory."

"Sounds tasty. How's she gonna get back?"

"Commercial flight. She's remaining in human form for now in order to keep a low profile."

"Ah. Guess that fudge wouldn't sit well in her wolf stomach either, huh?"

"Indeed. Are you finished with the report for the president?"

"Working on it as we speak," Camilla replied, eyes scanning the screen as she proofread what she'd typed. "I finished the one for the UN and sent it in. All that's left are the ones for the PM and International."

"Excellent work, Camilla. I believe a pay raise might be in order."

"Aw, shucks, sir. You're the best." Camilla grinned, saving the file and attaching it to an email. "Sending in the report now."

"Very good. I'll touch base with you again once we land."

"Got it, boss. Stay safe—and talk to Snake," Camilla added. "Don't leave her hanging."

"Perhaps I brought up the raise a bit too soon," Bari replied with a sigh. "Goodbye, Camilla."

"Bye! Talk to Snake!"

The call ended and Camilla removed her earbuds, looking up and smiling as Gustav, a Serpian who was both one of the Worthy and a teacher's assistant at Zoo Phoenix Academy, entered the café. "Hey, Gus!" she greeted him, leaning back in her chair. "Off day?"

Gustav laughed and sat down. "Saturdays usually are," he replied in a breezy tone.

"Not for you," Camilla scoffed, opening a new document and beginning her report for the prime minister of Canada. "I hear you usually spend them modeling your butt off in the art room," she said, raising her eyes slightly to look at Gustav.

"Well... I decided to try something different today."

"Mm, risky." Camilla mashed the space bar several times as her computer froze up for a moment. "Don't mind throwing your schedule for a loop?"