Final Job

Chapter 5: Partner

Alex had arrived at The Ember cold and tired. The tall girl guided him through a long corridor and into a large sitting room. She waved goodbye to him, walked out, and closed the door. In the room were few tables and chairs. He looked around silently. He saw a huge fireplace, a little girl sitting in front of it. She was wearing a short sleeve shirt and pants. She looked cold. "H-hey are you cold?" He stuttered. She looked over her shoulder, bright green eyes stared. She slowly nodded her head and looked into the fire. Alex took off the jacket the tall girl had given him. and walked over to her. His footsteps echoed in the near empty room. He bent down behind her and gently placed his jacket over her back. Her hands reach up and pulled it around her. He sighed. He was an only child and didn't no how to deal with kids younger than him. He sat down on one of that tables facing the fire and the girl. She spoke with a soft voice, "What's your name?" She asked looking towards him. "Alexandr, but you can call my Alex. Whats your name?" "Rissa but mama called me Riss." "How old are you? I'm seven" "I'm six " Rissa replied. Slowly Alex gained Rissa's trust and Rissa gained Alex's trust. A loud voice spoke through the speakers that Alex hadn't noticed. "Welcome Rissa and Alex to The Ember." The voice boomed. Rissa and Alex looked at each other with wide eyes. All children in Ivory-Wood knew about The Ember. The notorious group of assassins and gunman. Rulers of the black market and underground. Children had been told if they ever are taken to The Ember or see someone from The Ember, they were to run and not look back. The door being kicked open stopped their train of thought. Six men walked in. Five had guns and they were directly pointed at the children. They ran at them. Alex subconsciously ran in front of Rissa protecting her. The men stopped when the fifth man whistled. "You too will be excellent partners." He said with confidence. Alex and Rissa looked at each other and then back to the man. "Partners?" Alex asked. "Yes, as of right now you both are part of The Ember. You are now partners." "Why us?" Rissa asked curiously. "Because you have a strong will and are loyal. Now go along Jade with take you all to your quarters." The tall girl who had escorted Alex in reappeared. "Come on you two." She turned around and walked out of the room. Alex helped Rissa up and they both followed. The man was smiling as they left. Jade walked the children to a small room in the same hall as the sitting room. There were two desks, a bunk bed, a closet, and a bathroom. Jade left the new members with their thoughts. Rissa stuck out her hand. Alex looked at her, took her hand, and shook it. "I look forward to working with you." "Me too." She giggled. Rissa climbed onto the bottom bunk. "Can I sleep down here?" "Sure." Alex climbed onto the top bed and layed down. Rissa rested her head on the pillows only meaning to close her eyes for a second, but ended up drifting off into exhaustion. She silently slept. Alex climbed down to turn off the light when he stopped and looked at Rissa. She still had his jacket on. He smiled. After pulling the blanket over her and tucking her in, he turn off the light and returned to his own bed. He rolled over and faced the wall, picturing his mom sleeping next to him. He whispered, "Goodnight partner." and slowly fell asleep.