THE WORLD RUN DANGER

Two

Dusk counted out the money the client had given to him. Smiling, he thumbed through the cash, taking far more than the twenty percent he should have received. But, I don't say anything. I'm not supposed to be able to read or do math beyond counting on my fingers.
"There you go, Min," Dusk handed me the notes. He chuckled."I actually was surprised you made it back."
"I'm surprised someone hasn't tried to kill you yet," I laughed as well, but we both knew my words were a faintly veiled threat.
"You certainly have a sense of humor. Nice clean kill, I expect?"
"Shot right to the head. Instant death," I picked at my nails, distant. "Can I go now?"
"Of course, but have you reconsidered my offer?"
"I thought it was a joke?" I said, snorting. "You can't be serious!"
"I could name you heir of Axa over my nephew, Min," Dusk said, his voice filled with gravity. His hands were folded on his lap. "Let's face it, Axa will not survive in the hands of Sven. He's got a, how should I say it, head up in the clouds."
"Look, Dusk," I said. I leaned over the desk, until my eyes were inches from his. "I may work for you, but I don't belong to you."
Dusk smiled, rubbing his hands together. His eyes were wide in amusement. "I never said you were. Just remember to watch your back."
"Is that a threat?" My voice turned cold.
"Of course not. Just be careful, and please, put some thought into my offer. Arranged marriages are all the rage."
"...among the nobility," I cut in. "I am not marrying Sven and that is final. I work alone."
"Or do you?" Dusk's eyes flickered. "You are one of the most prolific and successful assassins I have under my command. It seems like you have had some training."
"I've trained myself," I said. I couldn't help my eyes cutting away from his glance, and my hands rubbing together nervously. Damn it, I know how to lie! "Can I leave now?"
"You are free to leave," Dusk dismissed me.
I bowed, but the look in my eyes contradicted my act of respect. Someday I'd kill Dusk, but that day wasn't today.
I slipped my hood over my head. Most people who worked for Axa knew what I looked like, but you can never be too careful.
Unbeknownst to Dusk, I still had some business to attend to regarding last night's kill. I walked down the corridors of the Axa base.
Like most gangs, we were situated in the underground catacombs. Torches light the walls, but that doesn't mean we aren't technologically up to date. We have security cameras, an alarm system and radios that are constantly broadcasting. All illegal contraband that the government could have our heads for owning.