Masked Assassin

Chapter Nine

Esther got an email through from a potential client. She ran it through her database to check it was genuine and then erased it entirely from the computer. She had various softwares that erased her browser history every hour plus everything potentially significant that could indicate her involvement in the killings. She had promised Ryan. No more clients until the FBI had lost interest and went home.

A week went by with no more news, the FBI refused to leave a comment and the press started to look at more other interesting events. Esther woke up on the Monday morning at the two-week mark, feeling chilled. She had a bath, dropping in one of her favourite lemon bath bombs. When she got out of bed, dressed in casual gear for the day, Poppy had made pancakes which she accepted with a glass of orange juice. She then sat on the sofa, sketching, one of her favourite pastimes, while watching one of her favourite shows. Poppy walked around the house, topping up Esther's glass of water as it emptied. At eleven, she started preparing a chicken salad for lunch and the news began.

"Absolute shocking news from this morning as the FBI investigators gave a statement at ten in the morning. This is coverage taken by their lead investigator, Agent Harrison Green." The big brunette news anchor smiled a white toothy grin at the camera and the picture flashed and then refocused on a scene outside a Police station where a man was standing at a podium. The man looked extremely calm and confident and for some reason, this terrified Esther. He was standing with a blonde woman in a suit and three other California cops.

"We reach out to the public in order to hopefully get our unknown subject. Recently a series of murders have occurred across the United States of America. We are now calling these organized murders, assassinations and are organised by at least two individuals in some form of partnership. They may even be related somehow. One is definitely female. She is quite small and slim in height and weight. She may be under the age of thirty as a result. She is talented in using professional weapons including sniper rifles and making bombs. She may also be trained in combat skills. She is seen in assassination clothes of some form of black jumpsuit, boots, utility belt around her waist and her thigh and hides her identity with a variety of wigs and masks. The press are naming her the masked assassin but we discourage this name. Our unknown subject is not a danger to all in society but a select few. This mainly seems to be important or rich people but not the case entirely.

"Our second unknown subject, we are sure, is male. He may be related to the first unknown subject such as siblings, cousins or even parents. We have less information on this subject but we are certain this subject will also be trained in using weapons and trained in combat skills. He should not be approached if possible as he could be dangerous but again, he may also not be a danger to all society.

"Anyone with information should come forward and call the hotline set up. Thank you." The man turned away and the picture moved back to the news anchor who read out the main points of the statement given by the FBI then turned onto a lighter topic about the beach surfing competition this weekend. Esther remained frozen at her seat. Something brushed her shoulder and she almost screamed as she turned.

"Sorry! Your lunch, Miss Porter." Poppy handed the plate of chicken salad with a glass of orange juice over.

"Oh... Sorry, thank you..." Esther took it and Poppy left the room. She moved her sketchpad off her lap, putting the plate there instead with the glass at her feet. She then just played with the food, only taking small bites as she thought things through. She almost screamed again when her phone rang, jumping. She caught a glance at Ryan's photo on the screen before answering.

"You seen the news?" He demanded.

"Yes. You have too? What about that beach competition?"

"Ha," He said the laughing noise, not made it. "Take this seriously please."

"Believe me I am. Can you come round?"

"I can but I'll need to bring Elizabeth."

"Why?"

"It's... Personal. But she's coming."

"Fine. Be quick."

"Half an hour." He promised and he hung up.

Esther wrapped the plate over in clingfilm and put in the fridge. She then poured herself a glass of white wine and walked around, pacing the room. Poppy put the glass of orange juice in the fridge, untouched and walked back out to the study. Esther continued to pace. Finally, the door opened and Ryan walked in with a tanned, blonde haired blue eyed Elizabeth. Elizabeth was extremely gorgeous, blonde curly hair to her shoulders and bright blue eyes. She had one strand of hair dyed pale pink. She was wearing a summer dress and flip-flops.

"Esther! How lovely to see you!" Elizabeth hugged Esther. Esther gave her a one-armed hug back, fixing her eyes on Ryan before turning back to Elizabeth.

"How are you, Elizabeth? Would you like a glass of wine?"

"No, but an orange juice would be lovely." Esther got Elizabeth a fresh glass. She then looked at Ryan who shook his head.

"How have you been?" Esther asked as she took a big sip of wine.

"Good! Actually, I have some great news. I'm pregnant! Five weeks." Elizabeth positively shone as she spoke.

"Oh wow, congratulations!" Elizabeth beamed.

"Thank you! We're keeping it under wraps for now until it's a little further along."

"Well still, that's very good news."

"Thank you." Poppy came in and smiled at the unexpected company.

"Mr and Mrs Moore! What a lovely surprise."

"Poppy, can you keep Mrs Moore company? Myself and Ryan have something confidential to discuss."

"Of course." Elizabeth did not look surprised, clearly, Ryan had made some form of excuse. Poppy walked over to the counter where Elizabeth was sitting. Meanwhile, Ryan followed Esther out to the study. The pair of them walked in and Ryan shut the door behind him.

"So."

"So what?"

"So we're both now wanted on the news."

"Look... There's nothing we can do. Move out the country? Too obvious. Stay put? We're going to be found either way."

"So what? You're giving up?" Ryan stared at Esther with a hard look.

"No, but what else can I do, Ry? They're closing in."

"There's still no proof as to it being you. Or me." Esther slumped, sitting in her chair and placing her head in her hands.

"I don't like this Ryan. I refuse to go into a shootout with cops. Or the Feds."

"Well... Still. But I know something that might cheer you up either way."

"Oh?"

"New client. And this one is going to be good."

"How?"

"Mafia clan. We've been hired by the-"

"SHUSH! No names!"

"Sure? You'll want to hear this." Ryan had a twinkle in his eye. Esther looked up and raised an eyebrow.

"I thought we agreed? No more targets? So we can actually be safe or as safe as can be anyway..."

"Well I have a baby coming and this is big money."

"What we talking?"

"Fifteen million."

"You're joking?"

"Nope. Now, do you want to know who it is?"

"Okay, I'll bite. Who?"

 "We've been hired by the Poker Clan."