"Love and loyalty—they told us we couldn't have both. Now I see why."
Toni Topaz (pov)
The sun hadn't yet risen, but I was already up, moving quietly through the house so as not to wake Cheryl. She knew I had a trip planned, some business I'd mentioned offhandedly the other night. but I'd even packed a suitcase with all the usual stuff.
But that stuff wasn't my real luggage.
In the garage, I carefully loaded my car with the ordinary suitcase, making sure it was visible on the backseat, just in case Cheryl happened to peek in.
But it was the other bag, the one hidden in the trunk, that really mattered. As I lifted the rug on the garage floor, a pin lock keypad was revealed. I punched in the code without hesitation, the hidden door sliding open with a faint hiss.
The stairs led down to my real workroom, the one Cheryl had no idea existed.
The gun locker was cool, metallic, and orderly, just the way I liked it.
I grabbed a duffle bag and began packing—two small bombs, stacks of cash, a few pistols, and an automatic rifle. I paused at the big black case, my fingers brushing over the sleek black surface.
This was the tool that would seal the deal. With everything securely packed, I ascended the stairs, closing the hidden door behind me and replacing the rug. Everything looked as it should—normal, domestic, safe.
Cheryl was still asleep when I left, the house quiet in the early morning light. I gave one last glance at our bedroom window as I drove away, wondering briefly what she'd do today.
It was a fleeting thought—my mind quickly returned to the mission at hand.
At the warehouse, Fangs was waiting for me, looking as sharp as ever. As soon as I stepped inside, he handed me a small stack of papers—boarding pass, taxi receipts, hotel bill, all forged, of course, but they'd hold up under scrutiny.
I looked them over quickly, nodding my approval.
TONI
Thanks, Fangs
I stuffed the papers into my jacket pocket.
FANGS
No problem, boss
His tone professional but friendly. Before I could move on, Sweetpea emerged from his office, a sly grin on his face.
SWEETPEA
Toni! You up for poker night at my place? It's been a while
I chuckled, shaking my head.
TONI
I'll have to check with the wife
The excuse coming easily. Sweetpea laughed, knowing the drill, and I headed into my office, shutting the door behind me.
The office was minimalist, functional—just the way I liked it. I pressed a button and automatically the windows were covered with thick, protective blinds.
With the room secure, I pulled out three computers, each one linked to different encrypted networks. As soon as I signed in, the screen came to life with a familiar voice greeting me.
BOSS
Good morning, Mr. Topaz. We have an important mission for you
I listened intently as the details were laid out.
BOSS
The target is Jughead Jones, a notorious figure who has become a direct threat to the firm. The mission is set in Mexico, and be to ensure that Jughead doesn't change vehicles or even try to escape. This is a high-stakes job.
After the briefing, I didn't waste any time. I made a quick call to Cheryl, keeping my voice casual as I let her know I'd be out of town for a business trip. She didn't ask for details, and I didn't offer any.
We hung up with the usual pleasantries, but I could tell something was on her mind—just a hint of hesitation in her voice. Still, I brushed it off, focusing on the mission.
The desert heat was relentless, the sun beating down as I drove through the barren landscape in a fast off-road vehicle. The car roared over the sand, the thrill of speed surging through me.
I was in my element, the wind whipping against my face, the radio blaring a song that matched my adrenaline-fueled mood.
Eventually, I found a spot with a clear view of the road, where I knew my target would pass by. I pulled over, cutting the engine and letting the silence of the desert surround me.
Stepping out of the car, I walked a few paces away and took a quick piss, feeling the tension ease out of my body. This was the calm before the storm, and I savored it.
Back at the car, I grabbed the rocket launcher from the trunk, humming the lyrics of the song I'd been listening to as I set up my position. The target convoy was approaching, just as expected.
But before I could make my move, a sharp pain exploded in my chest, knocking me to the ground.
I gasped, my breath coming in ragged bursts, but as I pulled myself up, I realized I was still alive—the vest had absorbed the bullet.
I scanned the horizon, my eyes narrowing as I spotted an abandoned building on the mountainside. That's where the shot had to come from.
Grabbing the rocket launcher, I aimed it at the building, the weight of it familiar and comforting. With a steady hand, I pulled the trigger, watching as the building exploded in a fiery blast.
But before I could relish the victory, the ground beneath me erupted, sending shockwaves through the desert.
I hit the dirt
TONI
Fuck
I watched the target's convoy speed away. The mission was compromised, and I knew I'd have to answer for it.
As I lay there, catching my breath, I heard the roar of a motorcycle engine. Turning, I saw a figure speeding away from the wreckage of the building—a woman, the one who had taken the shot at me.
She was getting away, but I wasn't finished with her yet. I'd make sure to track her down, but for now, the bullet she'd shot me with was all I had—a clue that would lead me back to her.
Back in Riverdale, I met up with Sweetpea for lunch, recounting the mission with as much bravado as I could muster. But the failure gnawed at me, the missed target a stain on my record.
After lunch, I headed to see a friend—another agent with the resources I needed. I handed her the bullet, asking if she could run a scan for DNA.
RANDOM FEMALE
No we can't but would could find the billing address instead
TONI
I'll take that then
She handed me the address, my blood ran cold. It was a place in Riverdale, one that seemed all too familiar.
The address was connected to Cheryl's workplace.
I called the office, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. Cheryl's assistant, Betty, answered,
TONI
Hey Betty I just wanted to ask Cheryl what time is dinner tonight
I heard Betty faint voice asking Cheryl my question
BETTY
Toni she said dinner is at seven
TONI
Like always
I hung up, the gears in my mind turning as I pieced together the implications.
There was something more going on with Cheryl, something she wasn't telling me. And whatever it was, it had just put us on a collision course.
The tension that had started in Mexico was now a knot in my gut. As I made my way home, I knew that whatever I uncovered next could change everything between us.
Cheryl and I had always played our parts well, but the secrets we kept were starting to fray the edges of our perfect life.
One thing was certain: the game we were playing was about to get a whole lot more dangerous.
