Hunter-Hunted

Chapter 3: The Carnival

Chapter 3

Jim's heels clicked along the cobbled stone of the courtyard as she skipped from the side of the compound that housed the offices to the other side that held the private quarters of those residing there. She skipped past Nop that was casually leaning against a pillar in the sun, a black cap pulled low over his brow and a cigarette dangling from his lips. He smirked at Jim as she gave him a quick wave, almost distracted from her mission by the appeal he somehow still held for her, as young as he might be. However, she was determined to move up the stairs to Mon's room, so she would have to entertain him later.

"So, I have fairly good news!" She announced as she slipped through the door and closed it behind her once she was inside Mon's living quarters. Things between Mon and Freen would progress slowly and thus they were still some time away from sharing a bed, Mon therefore maintaining her own private space and very grateful for it. Her friends were over often and they rather enjoyed lounging about the compound and even conducting their business from there. Whenever any of them left to attend to one of their clubs, they would always be accompanied by at least one Idol so that their safety was ensured at all times. Security around town in general had seemed to improve considerably in the past week.

"I've just finished speaking to all our managers and they have all confirmed that things are going well." Jim spoke excitedly and with added confidence, hopping around the bedroom as she handed a sheet of paper to each of the other girls. Kade was stretched out on Mon's bed with her nose in a magazine, while Yuki was rolling around on the lush carpet with Misty, teasing the kitten with a piece of string. Mon seemed lost in thought as she sat at her desk with a book, though her eyes were gazing aimlessly out of the window. She has definitely been doing that a lot lately.

"Patronage and profits have gone up miraculously and there's been no reports of anything out of place – no red flags and no restlessness in the neighbourhoods. I also received an update from Tee that the Idols patrolling our spaces have not been picking up many Tigereyes, other than a few loafers at the bottom of the totem pole that weren't particularly interested in getting gutted by Freen's officers." Jim sighed happily and plopped down on the divan, her eyes flitting between her friends. "I think, at least for now, we can feel a little more at ease."

"Jim, you know I trust your judgement completely, but doesn't it just seem like the calm before the storm?" Yuki's voice was gentle as it wafted up from the floor, the petite girl easily speaking her concerns, though she was still very much distracted by and in a light mood because of her fluffy playmate.

Kade dropped her magazine to her lap and leaned forward so that she could get a better view of Yuki at the foot of the bed, "I don't think Freen is that stupid. She would anticipate and be prepared for any surprises, right Mon?" All three girls turned their eyes towards Mon who took a few long second before realising the conversation had turned to her and required her attention. "Oh, yeah, you're right." She answered, shaking her head as she looked towards Kade, hoping she had given the right answer. She really needed to keep a leash on her wandering thoughts.

Kade silently arched a brow at her friend, but let it slide for now. "Besides, I've also managed to coax some sensitive information out of Kirk." Kade grinned and the sparkle in her eyes said it all about how exactly she got Kirk to speak to her in confidence. "He said that they are about to start the first phase of their plan to infiltrate and dismantle, or something like that. I don't understand all the jargon and he was a little… distracted," the other girls chuckled and shook their heads knowingly, "but the point is, they're up to something big and I don't think the Tigereyes stand a chance."

"Then it's settled! Time to move onto things somewhat more pleasant." Jim grinned and arched one brow as she waited for one of her friend's to guess what she was thinking about. As expected, Kade was the first one to squeal in excitement, "The Carnival! Oh my god guys, we need to sort out our outfits! It's only a few days away!"