After September 23rd

Chapter Sixteen

Mikaela's Perspective

Monday, September 21st, 2037.

Night.

10:00 PM

I sat still while Kari finished my makeup. I trusted my sister, but I was still afraid her plan would not work in my favor. The universe seemed to have favorites, and I clearly was not one of them.

"What if I get caught? And mother takes my tablet permanently?" I asked, "Or my laptop! Or has Uncle Izan demote me to a soldier again! A soldier!"

"Calm down, Mika, you're too jumpy and I'll end up poking your eyes," She sighed, "Give me that fidget, it's clearly not working in our favor,"

I nodded and gave my infinite cube to my sister. Kari put it back on the shelf and took a small rubber ball to keep me still and entertained.

"Thank you,"

"Mm hm," She said, "Also, mother doesn't know anything about the organization, you won't be demoted,"

"Yes, you're right," I sighed, "I had been so focused on this that it slipped my mind,"

"All done," Kari smiled and grabbed my hand mirror, "You look beautiful!"

"Oh... thank you," I smiled softly.

"Don't worry, Mika, you're the youngest captain in the L.E.T." She smiled, "Have more faith in your work! You earned your title!"

I nodded and placed the mirror on my desk.

"Yes, I hope everything goes well," I nodded.

"Come on! Sebas is waiting for you," said Kari, "I'll distract mother,"

I nodded. She left first and texted the signal. I snuck out and got in the car. We arrived at the hotel. I stared at the pamphlet and walked over to the room where the event was being held.

"Excuse me, miss, but this event is private. Do you have an invitation?"

I took the invitation from my purse.

"Here it is," I said, and handed over my invitation.

"Do you have any identification, Miss Kanna Barrera?" He asked.

I took out my ID and handed it over.

"We'll return it by the end of the night," He said and handed over my invitation along with a slip of paper, "Here is your dance card,"

"Dance card...?" I asked, baffled as I took them both, "Why do I need this?"

The man stared at me, his eyes expressing pure exhaustion and annoyance.

"This dance card will keep track of the young men who are interested in you," He said and hit the notecard repeatedly with his finger, "Do you understand?"

"I do..."

I went inside and sighed. The room was a bit dark; I moved through the crowd and looked around for the mafioso or his sons. If I could get to them, I could keep this man safe and apprehend the Angel of Death.

I looked around for the two boys. Ignacio and Agustin Navarro. The oldest was a high school senior, 17, taller than his younger brother. They both had similar features: brown skin, green eyes, and curly brown hair.

"Would you care for a drink?"

I backed away from the waiter as the strong smell of alcohol invaded my nose.

"Pardon me, is there alcohol in the drink?" I asked.

"Y-Yes, miss," He nodded, "The host requested it himself,"