The Archer (18+)

VI

"I really didn't think this was your idea of fun." I looked up at the slanted sign of a dingy diner called 'Burgers and Bones.'

The cab drive here from the temporary Act was about 30 minutes. As soon as I saw how remote this place was I got skeptical. There was no other business in sight. It was only this place: with flickering lights and an exterior of worn purple paint that looked like it had seen better days.

What the hell was Raine up to? She was very specific with the cab driver of where she wanted to be. He was skittish the whole time. He barely collected a tip as soon as we arrived, thinking it better to just leave altogether.

Raine and I entered, her in an itty-bitty skin tight silver dress and I, in overalls that made me look like a minion.

The diner was near empty: with only two patrons seated inside. The smell of greasy food with the slightest whiff of milk permeated the air. There were two waitresses who were in deep conversation, with one looking longingly at an overhead clock. I assumed she couldn't wait to wrap up her shift.

Raine led us to sit at a booth more towards the middle of the diner. Foolish decision on her part. I sat facing her on the plush faux leather.

"Are you sure you want-" I started.

"To sit here?" She cut me off, her gray eyes dancing in amusement.

"I can see the tension in your shoulders," she pointed out now smiling, "loosen up."

I raised an eyebrow at her. Did she purposefully choose to sit here? Usually assassins would position themself to be able to view the entirety of their surroundings at all times. With sitting here, I was fully facing the exit. I had no control of what happened behind me at the entrance. I didn't trust Raine enough to watch my back.

"Relax." He cajoled once she noticed I wasn't budging. It felt as if she was hiding something.

A waitress approached our booth. She looked friendly enough with dark hair and hazel eyes.

"What might I get you two ladies?" She asked in English.

I assumed she would have heard Raine speaking and just went with the language.

"Just water for now please." Raine answered.

She nodded then left.

"Is something going on? Why are we here?" I cut to the chase.

"Aren't you hungry? I'm just famished." Raine grinned.

I wasn't buying that shit. We could have stopped for food before getting to the house or even paid for delivery.

When I didn't say anything in return, her smile slowly fell.

"Fine... since you're such a spoilsport," she sighed dramatically. Her voice fell to barely above a whisper, "This place was at the top of the list for the target's most frequented spots. He comes every Friday night before closing."

My eyes grew to the size of fucking saucers.

"You don't reckon we..."

"God, no." She laughed daintily. It sounded like wind chimes.

"Maybe I was going out on a limb here, maybe we could do some marking... just to see what we're working with..."

Realization hit me. We're here for profiling and not necessarily to kill the target. Of course, it would help us if we knew the target's exact locations and to see if he was one that stuck to his routine.

I wish she would have told me beforehand so I could dress the part. My hair was pulled up in a ponytail and my fresh face was in full view. Trepidation filled me. I really didn't want my identity out there but did I really have a choice? There was no clear plan for this mission regardless.