#9 :: The Contract Killer

13. Courtney

"So have you spoken to your uncle yet?" Alex asked me as I got ready for the ball.

"No not yet... he's sensitive. I have to get him at the right time, right mood." I said to him.

"I get you. My ma is going to be surprised. As far as she concerned I'm still single"

"She is?"

"Yeah. She basically disregarded what I said when I told her that I had a girlfriend. She thinks she will be the one to pick the "right" girl for me."

"Yeah. I think my uncle has the idea of me growing old on my own like one spinster." I said making us both laugh.

"Anyway, you sure I can't twist your leg to cone out with me tonight? It will prevent me having to go to this stupid family dinner." Alex moaned.

I laughed.

"I can't. Uncle H seems a bit like your mother and he would not be best pleased if I cancelled on him."

"Fine... I'll leave you to get ready babe. Call me when you're back." He said before he came off the phone.

I hated lying to him but if I said I was going to a ball then he would have maybe wanted to accompany me as a plus one and I couldn't have that. Besides Hugo would never let that happen.

Speaking of Hugo I was still trying to think when the best time would be to tell him that me and Alex had been talking about moving in together. Yep, that's right. We have been talking for over a year now and been together for a few months. The move wasn't anytime soon but it was definitely something for the future.

But I couldn't think about that right now. Tonight I had bigger things to deal with. The mascaraed ball. I decided to go all out. A black fitted ball gown dress with rhinestones. My hair was in a donut bun to the side and I had a black clutch bag.

"You look the part." Hugo said as I made my way downstairs.

"I hate it." I said to him.

He laughed.

"Sometimes embrace your feminine side Karmen. Anyway, put these contact in; they will allow me to focus on everything you see. Then you should be good to go. Oh yeah, your driver is outside... in the Bentley."

"Oh the Bentley! You going all out tonight!"

"You got to smell and look like money tonight. Now go on; and remember, don't let your emotions get the better of you Karmen."

"I've been meditating all day. I got this." I said somewhat the truth.

When I arrived I didn't know what to expect, but it certainly wasn't this. This wasn't just a mansion it was several mansions.

Did they own all of this?

As I made my way inside I scanned the place looking for cameras, intruder alarms, exits and entrances.

My night was going well, I was mingling and socialising. Then, they came down. If I had a gun on me I would have shot them there and then. My blood boiled just by looking at them. Mask or not I would never forget her. Her face was a reoccurring nightmare.

Just my luck the Santiagos walked over to where I was standing.

"I'm sure every year, you out do the year before." A woman said and everyone agreed.

"Well we have definitely outdone ourselves this year. We are contemplating opening up another one of the houses if anymore guest arrive." Gabriella said.

Just the sound of her voice irritated me. I remember it all like it was yesterday. Over these years I have had to deal with some tough tasks and face some dangerous situations. None like this one. To remain calm and not lash out and kill them and have myself killed was a task in itself.

"Regular or first time?" She asked me.

"A bit of both, it's my first time but Bruno Valdez is my uncle. I came on his behalf."

"Oh I see. Bruno didn't want to party with us?"

"You know him. He's getting on. He prefers a quiet night in. This is far too extravagant for him."

"How modest. He is too extravagant for us. But it's nice someone from the Valdez could make it. Hope you enjoy your night."

I smiled. Hugo would have been proud.

It was quite intriguing, this mascaraed ball. I'm pretty sure I recognised so many faces but then how do you when everyone is masked? It was then I realised how much attention I pay to people. Just by their eyes, voices and the way they walked had me wondering if I knew these people. The night seemed to go on forever and my feet were hurting from these heels. The only good thing from this night was the fact they donated to charities. I made a very generous amount and shortly after that I left.

Once home I decided to call Alex.

"Hey..." he said.

"Hey, you busy?"

"Nah, you okay?"

"Yeah, I was thinking. Maybe I should introduce you to uncle H first then another time talk to him about the move."

"You know great minds think alike. I was going to invite you over to meet my family next weekend if you're free?"

"Really?" I get to meet your mum? Who basically hates me and she doesn't even know me?"

"She doesn't hate you. Once she meets you she'll fall in love with you just like I have."

There was silence

Love?

"Don't worry. I don't expect you to say it back. This is all new for you and it's clear you don't let anyone in. You'll say it whenever it's right for you. So what do you say? Next week at mine and you finally get to meet my dragon of a mother?"

I laughed.

"Okay you've twisted my arm. I can do Sunday."

"Fantastic. I'll see you then."

"Okay, bye."

I smiled as I went to bed. Maybe just maybe this relationship thing wouldn't be so bad after all.