Chapter 3
Megan
Frankie was pacing back and forth when I came in with aspirations of pumping him for information. I had to be subtle and not come off too strong. I wore my most enticing outfit with leather being a prominent theme. I had just returned from collecting on a debt for him.
“I hope he didn’t give you any trouble. Sampson and Andy told me that you handled yourself professionally when you collected on the debt. Things are going to be changing around here. I want you front and center. My plan is to surround myself with only those who have proven themselves beyond a shadow of a doubt.” I took my responsibility seriously and never dipped into the cold hard cash finding its way into my hand.
“I do like the idea of climbing the ladder of success. I can take more responsibility off of your hands. Give me a chance and I will more than live up to your high expectations.” I was buzzing with electricity and giving Nathan oral gratification was turning me into a wanton whore.
“I will take it under consideration.” He put his black combat boots up on the desk littered with paperwork. There was always a method to his madness.
“My future is not written in stone. I would respectfully request you take me underneath your wing. I know you think I’m too young, but I’m not. I just turned 25 and I’m ready to be set loose on the world. Take me with you and let me learn at the feet of the master.” I was appealing to his very high opinion of himself. I knew how to stroke his male ego like he was the strings of a Stradivarius Violin.
“I like your go-getter attitude. A lot of others could take a page from your book. I’m taking a big risk bringing you in. Some claim I have blinders on when it comes to you. I’ve seen nothing to indicate my trust isn’t warranted.” I waited with bated breath and I was using our friendship in a way to make me sick to my stomach.
“You made me whole and I will always be grateful. This is about business. We both know personal issues don’t belong. I’m trying to take the next step. I’ve seen how others have treated your business like their own personal bankroll. I’ve never taken a dime that I didn’t earn.” I could tell that he was debating and I had to tread carefully.
I had a chance to lose myself in Nathan’s arms and to feel the pile drive of his hips pounding me relentlessly into the mattress for the first time. It was definitely on my mind.
Frankie’s office had no windows. The door leading back out into the club was the only way in and out. Some suspected he had a secret doorway, but I had seen nothing of the sort.
The smell of his cigar permeated the air still lit in the glass ashtray on his desk. It would’ve been very easy to set things ablaze claiming it was an accident to cash in on the insurance money.
“I’ve never asked you to do anything I wasn’t willing to do myself. I started in this business in exactly the same way by somebody giving me a chance to prove myself. I don’t normally get my hands dirty and I have dedicated my time to making money. There are others like Jerome who takes on that role with distinction.” This wasn’t the first time I had heard him reminisce about his climb to fame and fortune.
“I feel privileged that you saw something in me. I was a rudderless ship moving from one con to another. I stole from the rich and the pompous. I still do to feel the rush and to see the look of perplexed anxiety on their faces. It’s fun to take the money out of their hands, not including the many jewels I have brought you to fence.” I had gotten my percentage and had a small place to call my own.
“You deserve everything and I want to make sure you have a place at the table. There is a bit of business to make your transition easier. Jerome found out from his sources on the street that a certain cop has become a thorn in my side. You have come here with initiative and I can respect that. Nobody gets a seat at the table without doing something for it.” I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. The name of the officer didn’t come as any big surprise.
Nathan Banner was becoming more than my handler. I enjoyed our time together. It didn’t matter if we were talking about business or seeing if we could drink each other under the table. I made the arrangements for each meeting. I took the precaution of changing routes and locations never meeting in one place two times.
“What exactly do you want me to do?” I already knew the answer, but it didn’t become real until he said the words.
“I don’t think it’s necessary for me to paint you a picture. It’s a dirty job and somebody has to do it. I will understand if this is too much to ask. Jerome has already expressed an interest in making this problem go away. I have never needed the details.” He wanted me to kill Nathan and I was positive he was going to need proof that the deed was done.
I didn’t want Nathan to be subjected to Jerome. It was better to accept the assignment. Jerome was efficient and could kill with impunity. He had no limitations and went beyond the call of duty to get the job done.
“I’ve never done anything like this, but I suppose it’s time to put on my big girl pants. Does it matter how it gets done? I have a few ways, but I would like to know if you want to make this personal.” It was the hazard of the business and one I had been sheltered from.
“He has been sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong. I will need photographic evidence when you have completed the task. I will gladly take you on a ride to the top. This is your chance to mold yourself into a woman who demands respect. No longer will you be sitting on the sidelines. I can see the ambition in your eyes.” I had a decision to make with the one he was suggesting marking my soul with regret.
“You didn’t answer my question.” I had to know how far he was willing to go to get results.
“It’s personal when he takes the food out of the mouth of my family. It’s personal when he steps on my toes. I lose money the longer he remains breathing. I would never condone violence, but sometimes it’s necessary to send a statement.” He wasn’t telling me how he wanted me to go about it, but he was alluding to the fact he wanted it to be messy.
I took out my switchblade and made the blade appear out of seemingly nowhere. I moved it back and forth from one hand to the other. I ran the tip of my tongue down the length of the shiny surface. He watched mesmerized by my display of psychotic behavior.
“I understand.” I looked at him and let him know I was in.
He put both hands on my shoulder and stood almost a foot taller with his intimidating stare of approval.
“I knew you would. It does my heart proud to know you are willing to make a true contribution. I will tell you the first time will stick with you. You’ll never forget that one face. I tell you this to give you one more chance to stay in the shadows.” I had to make them believe my heart was in it to avoid Jerome being sent in my place.
The jacket he was wearing was a tan trench coat and mysteriously absent was his pearl-handled weapon. I had no doubt it was in the politician’s possession. I knew his name and found out during my due diligence. It wasn’t hard to peruse the weekly periodicals and scan the Internet until his face came up.
Benton Owens was gaining traction in the vote for senator.
Frankie had lost the length of his hair for something more conventional. His new company in construction was going to become a growing concern with contracts in the city. He would cut corners and pay off government officials to make the most out of the opportunity.
“I have to say you are looking pretty damn sharp these days. I miss the leather jacket, but whoever did your hair did you justice. It looks like you are ready for your close up.” He smiled and turned me in the direction of the door with a light kick to my backside to get me moving.
“I appreciate the compliment. I don’t like sending you out into the cold alone. Jerome will accompany you. Call it a professional courtesy. I hope you have what it takes. He has graciously offered his services to teach you a few defensive moves. This either means you are all in or… well… I don’t think you really want to know the alternative.” It was either me or Nathan and I had proven I knew what it took to survive.
Jerome came in and took me aside into a room dedicated to training those men in hand to hand combat.
“I want to see what you can do with that knife.” I knew there was no way I was going to beat him in a fair fight.
“I know you’re going to hurt me, but try not to leave any permanent marks above my neck. I depend on this face to make the money to put a roof over my head.” We circled each other and he took a slice out of my shirt getting first blood.
“I do like the taste of fear.” Jerome smiled sadistically.
I had learned to handle a blade practically out of diapers. He was quick, but he was arrogant. That was going to be his downfall. I needed to give him the chance to prove his dominance before catching him off guard.
“I’m not going to give you the satisfaction of crying out in pain.” He sliced me again and was laughing at my expense.
“I don’t think you’re ready to take the next step. You don’t have the kind of conviction to see it through. This takes a strong and calculating mind like a steel trap. A woman can’t separate their emotions like men can.” He sliced my arm and made me grimace slightly from the pain radiating in the pleasure centers of my brain.
Pain and pleasure went hand in hand. I pretended to cower and take a step back in fear. He pursued with a dogged determination. He thrust forward and I turned slightly with my blade finding itself embedded in his shoulder.
He looked down astonished at my audacity and felt compelled to reassert his manhood. He opened himself up by exposing his flank. I spun around him like a choreographed dance until I had the blade up against his throat. He dropped the knife in his hand when he felt the nick of the steel cutting him.
“I know how to play to my strengths. Try to keep up. A man will always think a woman is incapable of beating them. Take this lesson to heart. Never take for granted you have the upper hand regardless of your enemy’s gender.” A medical professional was on hand to attend to his wounds.
“Megan, I’m surprised but pleasantly so.” We were soon medically cleared and were leaving with Nathan having no idea of the Damocles sword hanging over his head.