The Assassin
The door hinges creaked as I slowly pushed it open.
I gritted my teeth, cursing the damn thing for potentially giving me away.
This was my first time breaking into Simone’s house while she was still here.
I needed to be as quiet as possible, so I could catch her off guard - and end this shit before it goes any further.
Maria practically had my head when I told her about the little game I’d played with Simone. Her big brown eyes were livid as she frantically signed, scolding me for risking my life. I cannot lose you, she said at one point, her eyes glistening with the smallest hint of moisture. You’re all I have.
Her words and the look on her face sparked a small ache in my chest. I wanted to reassure her. Tell her she had someplace else to go now if anything were to happen to me. Her hacker boy-toy and friends within the Ruiz’s cartel would take care of her. But, I knew that wasn’t what she wanted to hear.
She was right, anyway. I was taking our games too far. I needed to put an end to this - soon.
I’d disabled Simone’s security system and snuck into her house with every intention of taking her life tonight. I didn’t know how I’d stage it yet - that depended on how much she fought back - but I’d figure it out.
I kept my steps light as I crept down the hall, walking closer to the little bit of light pouring out of the living room. My hand hovered over the gun on my hip, ready to pull it if Simone tried any funny business.
I pressed myself against the wall as I reached the doorway. I envisioned all the different scenarios that might happen when I went around the corner. Simone freezing in shock or attacking me at first sight or the room being empty. I was prepared for all of them.
Grasping my gun, I peeked around the corner.
I almost smiled at the sight before me.
Simone was curled up in her reading chair like a cat, legs scrunched up into her chest and head resting just under the cushioned armrest. Her shoulders rose and fell with every breath, accompanied by soft snores.
She didn’t even move as I stepped closer to her, the floor lightly creaking under my feet. The girl was out cold.
It would be so easy to take her out like this. A pillow over the face would get the job done. Pose her body to make it look like an accident - choked on a snack or tangled in a charger. No suspicions; just disappointment.
But there wouldn’t be any fun in that. The fire in Simone’s eyes was the most memorable and admirable part of her. Hell, it was the main reason I’ve let her live this long. She wasn’t one to go down without a fight. And I didn’t want to kill her without one.
I looked down at the notebook nestled under her arms. From what I could see, the pages were filled to the brim with writing. Was she journaling?
I scanned the cushion, searching for a pen. My brow rose when I didn’t see one.
Slowly, I reached for the notebook. I pinched the end of the book and carefully wiggled it out from beneath her arms.
She stirred from the paper brushing against her arm, and I froze. A tiny hum purred in her throat as she adjusted her arms, pulling them closer against her.
Now freed from her grasp, the book was easy to slide across the cushion.
Dates were the first thing I noticed when I looked down at the writing. It was written atop each entry, no matter how long or short. But the noted year wasn’t recent. It was over ten years ago.
Curiosity got the best of me as I flipped the notebook completely open and turned the cover over the pages. Written in black marker were the words: Case #1789; Opened August 28th, 2007
Ah, so she was reading case files. But whose files? And why?
Shaking my head, I pushed the questions away. None of those answers concerned me.
I put the notebook back in the state I found it and set it down on the nearby coffee table. Staring down at Simone again, I contemplated what my next move should be. The smartest would be to place the notebook back in her arms and leave her as she lay. My presence tonight would go unnoticed.
But, I didn’t want to leave her like this.
The position, comfortable for the moment, was going to make her body cramp later.
And she didn’t have a blanket to shield her from the cool air of the night passing through the windows.
She was going to wake up uncomfortable one way or another.
Knowing her, a slumber this peaceful wasn’t going to find her again.
The fact bothered me more than it should.
Sighing, I cursed her for opening this door of empathy I didn’t think existed anymore.
I bent down and carefully shoved my arms underneath her head and legs. I cradled her close to my chest before lifting her off the couch.
She stirred again, this time her brows pinching as she groaned in disapproval.
“Shhh,” I murmured. “I’ve got you.”
I expected my voice to set off the alarms in her head and make her eyes pop open in panic. Instead, the sound eased the tension in her body, and her head fell against chest. The lingering smell of cocoa butter on her skin wafted through my nose, igniting a small fire in my stomach.
This was a stupid ass idea, I swore to myself, trying to ignore it’s warmth as I carried her upstairs into her room.
With her still in my arms, I pulled the comforter down and laid her down. Her body sank into the mattress and pillows.
I tugged the comforter over her, giving her the shelter she’d forgotten to give herself.
A soft, content sound blew through her lips as she rolled onto her side and snuggled her head against her pillow.
Moonlight spilled through the windows, brushing over her cheekbones. An itch sparked in my fingertips, and suddenly I envied the light for touching her where I couldn’t.
Turning away, I scrubbed the thought of caressing her out of my mind. This was not the way this game was supposed to go.
I was supposed to be in her head. Yet, somehow, she’s taken up residence in mine.