Liability

two

I watched the million dollar homes pass me by as my driver drove through the neighborhood of Kensington Palace Gardens. I had been here plenty of times before. My job had a tendency of taking out rich powerful men who had more money than they knew what to do with. But every time I drove through these neighborhoods, I felt like a little kid, dreaming of what my life might be like if I lived in one of these houses.

"Ms. Violetta, is it cool enough back there?" My driver Tommy asked, peeking through the rear view mirror.

Tommy usually took me to my missions, he was very plain looking and it worked to our advantage. He could drive different cars with tinted windows and no one would know any better, it was just an older man driving. 

I might stand out a bit more.

Plus I enjoyed his company. He was quiet but polite. And very reliable, always there when I needed him most. 

"I'm just fine Tommy, thank you." I replied, getting more comfortable in my seat, "They aren't giving you any trouble at the gates of this neighborhood, right?"

"No ma'am. I've still got the gate code and the security guard thinks I'm a friend of one of the residents."

"Perfect." I tugged down my white romper, which was covering a skimpy bikini. 

I pulled out my phone and logged into my discreet app where all the information on my targets was.

Richard P. Swane - 57 years old. 5'8. Grey hair. Divorced. Deathly allergic to shell fish and kiwi. Owner of Swane Car Dealership. No kids.

In my bag that I had brought was a mascara tube that unscrewed and was filled with kiwi juice. I needed his death to look like an accident. Plus I preferred to not get my hands dirty, blood was hard to clean up and was messy. Some assassins in the Organization preferred it, I always thought that was sloppy. 

"It's this one, Ms. Violetta."

The car pulled into a long driveway which led up to a mansion. The place was huge. Beautiful red brick made up the entire house with vines creeping up the side just perfectly. At least ten sports cars were lined up in front of the place. 

It was going to be a busy party. I needed to be smart and quick. Not bring too much attention to myself.

"Here we are ma'am." The driver said as he slowed to a stop,

"Thank you," I unbuckled, "Hey do you have any mints Tommy? My mouth always gets dry before missions."

He opened his console and offered me an open container. I quickly took one and popped it into my mouth. 

"Perfect, thanks. I'll send you a text when I'm ready. See ya." I stepped out of the car and put on my sunglasses, taking a look around.

I could hear splashing and laughter from the other side of the house. He was throwing a pool party. I was willing to bet at least 75% of the people at this party were young women in their 20's practically naked that he invited for him and his rich friends to stare at bouncing around in the pool.

The positive part to that is that made it easier for /me/ to get in.

I slung my bag over my shoulder and pulled my shoulders back, ready to show off. I made my way up to the front door and was immediately stopped by security. The man had no emotion on his face and blocked the door.

"And who are you?"

With a quick hair flip, I smiled, "Violetta. I met Mr. Swane at his dealership and he invited me to this pool party."

The security guard didn't budge. He looked down at an iPad, I assume for my name.

"Oh, c'mon. This is a party, not a club!" I teased.

"Your name is not on here. I can call Mr. Swane when he has a free moment and ask him if you can come in." He stated plainly.

I felt a small panic rise in my chest. I had never actually met him before so he wouldn't let me in, that would screw things up for sure. I just needed a way inside. 

I casually glanced around the property, seeing if there was a way I could sneak through. But to no avail. Cameras and gates were everywhere. This was my only option.

Different ways of how this could play out began running through my head. No matter what, I was getting inside. This guy was just going to be the deciding factor if it was going to be easy or not. 

I could knock him out with pressure points... But then his body would be left limp on the ground... I'd have to move it. That could take awhile... I could always just get naked and... No I don't want to do that.

"Do you thin-" I began but was quickly cut off.

A drunk man inside the house saw me lingering by the front door and came up to us.

"Hello dear." He slurred with a smile, his bright white teeth a stark contrast to his dark skin.

I looked up at him through my eyelashes, "Hi." I said shyly.

Sometimes putting on this innocent dumb act is too easy.

I thought.

The man patted the security guard on the shoulder, "What seems to be the problem?" He nodded his head towards me.

"She's not on the list, sir."

The middle aged man rolled his eyes and took my hand, "A pretty young thing isn't going to stir up any trouble," he lowered his voice, "except maybe in our wallets." 

He let out a loud chuckle. I did my best to force a laugh. Security let me through and I got to admire the foyer of the big home. Paintings were on every wall and gold trim lined the floors and ceilings. Not the fanciest home I've killed in but it was up there.

"Beautiful isn't it? Sometimes I forget how lucky we are... Names Ed." He stuck out his hand for me to shake, but quickly kissed the back of my hand instead.

"Violetta." I replied kindly, "Thanks for your help. My friend told me about this party and I just really wanted to see it for myself." I lied.

"No problem dear. Let me lead you to the activities."

Ed and I walked through the mansion all the way to the kitchen which had a direct entrance to the backyard. I went up to the window and everything I thought earlier was confirmed.

There were around ten women in and around the pool looking beautiful, sunkissed, and wet. Watching them like vultures were older men in polos and cargo shorts. I scanned through the men and found my target. Richard. 

He had a couple girls on his lap, holding his plate and drink while he sat close to the edge of the pool. I realized the 'cute and shy' persona wasn't going to make me stand out. I needed a new angle.

"I'm going to go out there now, come join us." Ed gestured me towards the door, holding a can of beer.

I waved my hand at him, "I will in just a moment. Going to use the ladies room first."

He nodded and headed out. I went to turn around to look for the bathroom but crashed into another body, dropping my bag.

"Ow! Watch where you're going!" I snapped, immediately regretting breaking character.

A younger man in fancy attire bent over to pick up my bag, "I'm so sorry," He stumbled over his words, "I came to ask you if you wanted me to take your-"

As he went to grab my bag, my fake mascara tube fell out and leaked a bit, the liquid seeping on to the floor. I felt a slight panic in my chest. He picked up the tube and put it back in my bag, wiping his sticky hand on his pants. I glanced at his clothing.

He must be a butler or assistant. If he works here, he works for Richard Swane. Which means he knows his allergies.

"I should definitely throw that out soon, it looks like it's old." Was the quickest weak lie I could come up with.

The butler and I stared at each other for a moment. I waited to see if he was going to say anything. 

There's no way he could know. It could be anything. To him it's just expired makeup.

Finally he spoke up, "The bathroom is down that hall and to the left. Heard you say you needed it." Was all he said before disappearing into another room.

I had an uneasy feeling in my stomach, but I couldn't do anything about him. Not without proof he knew something. But even then, I didn't want to kill him.

I took a deep breath and went into the bathroom, just keeping it in mind to be extra alert.

--

As soon as I stepped outside into the backyard I made sure to take in as much information as I could.

There were seven old men. There were thirteen women. There was a maid going in and out the house. And somewhere inside was a butler. 

Most of the men looked intoxicated, empty glasses piling up on side tables under the shade where they sat. Only Richard sat in the sun, that gave him the opportunity to stare at the girls even closer.

I left my bag inside, tucked away behind a couch. Too risky to bring it out now, first I needed to be someone everyone liked. Someone no one would expect could do such a thing as kill.

Standing a few feet away from the group of males, I stripped off my romper and dropped it to the side. One looked at me, but then went back to the girl dancing in the middle of all of them. I sighed. 

I walked up to them and tapped one on the shoulder, he must've been in his 60's. I noticed he had a wedding band on.

"Hi there handsome." I smiled.

He turned to me but then turned back around to the half naked dancer, "Busy sweetha'"

The girl in the middle was good. Swaying her hips and letting her arms stretch up to the sky. She knew she had these men wrapped around her finger, I respected her for that. 

But I had to take her moment.

I made a small running start and dove into the pool, right next to Richard.

Under the water I was reminded of earlier in the day when I was in the bath, I looked up at the sky. Sun rays rippling through the water, bending and shifting with movements I was making. I heard muffled yelling so I swam back up to the top.

As I gasped for air I noticed Richard and the girls that were sitting on his lap were soaked. The girls looked pissed, I couldn't read his face.

I pulled myself out of the water as gracefully as possible, making sure to show off my backside as I raised out of the pool.

"You did that on purpose!" One of the girls yelled.

The other joined in, "I'm soaked!"

Pushing my hair back, I looked them up and down, "If only you had something to wear that could get wet... oh wait." I smirked at their bikinis.

Richard cackled, rubbing their backs to make them move. He immediately patted his thigh to call me over. My plan worked, but inside it made me feel sick. For some old perv to just assume I wanted to be on his lap. That I would do whatever he asked. 

I reluctantly joined him, putting as little weight as I could on him. His hand quickly went low down my back.

"You put on quite a show dear," He glanced me over, "Didn't have to do all that to get my attention."

I gave a small smile, and remembered to stay in character.

"Wanted to show off I suppose. Impress you. Did it work?" I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear.

An evil grin spread across his lips, he most likely thought I was offering something more than what I was saying. I wanted this to be over with.

"It sure did. Why don't you stand up and give me a spi-" His attention was taken by something off to the side, "LEE!" He yelled.

I turned my head to see who he was yelling at. It was the butler.

"Lee I told you to leave the girls alone!" He snapped, shouting in my ear.

The butler, well Lee, was standing there next to one of the girls I splashed, handing her a towel. He looked conflicted and spoke up.

"Sir, I was just trying to hel-"

"-I don't care what you were trying to do. You were only to come out here for drinks! But you're too dumb to even do that! Stay inside the house. You f*****g i***t. Too dumb to listen to simple instructions. You're ruining the party." Richard spat, the vein in his temple prominent.

I felt extremely uncomfortable, but I knew I could ultimately handle him if things got aggressive. Lee rushed inside and Richard took a deep breath, bringing his focus back to me.

"Sorry your pretty face had to see that," He hiccuped, clearly drunk, "Where were we?"

He picked up his glass to take another sip when he realized it was empty, he gave an audible grunt.

"Would you be a doll and go refill this for me? Some tequila? Yeah?"

I grabbed the glass from him happily, this made my job much easier, "Sure thing."

I stood up to make my way inside when I felt a hand graze my ass, it took everything in me not to turn around and sock him in the nose, "Walk away from me slowly. I wanna watch."

With a smile through gritted teeth, I took my time walking away. I was going to enjoy doing this mission, I could guarantee he deserved it. Even if I didn't know exactly what he did or who ordered it, I'm sure he did something gross and someone needed revenge.

I stepped inside and grabbed my bag, heading towards the kitchen after.

Before I could pull out the tube with the kiwi juice, I noticed Lee walking towards me, full speed and hands in fists.

I grabbed the closest thing I could find that could be a weapon, which happened to be a rolling pin and held it up, "Back the f**k up!" I warned.

Lee lifted his arms up, showing he wasn't going to hurt me, "Easy!"

I refused to let my guard down as I watched him back up a couple steps. 

He lowered his arms, "You're here to poison him."

I raised my eyebrows. His voice was calm and quiet, almost accepting. I wasn't sure how to react.

"I could smell it on my hands after I put the mascara back in your bag. He forbids any kiwi or shell fish anywhere near the property, so you have to know he's allergic." He nodded to my bag. 

I stayed quiet, watching him like a hawk. 

"Richard is an awful man. I don't know who you are or what exactly he did to you but, it was bound to happen eventually." He began to walk away but did a quick turn, "Also please don't come after me. I have a daughter."

I didn't speak, just did one quick head nod. The butler once again disappeared into another room. I wasn't sure if I trusted him, but I did see how badly his boss just treated him. I'm sure that was common.

Quickly unscrewing the top, i poured the juice on the rim of the glass before putting salt over it. How nice that he wanted tequila. I added a little bit of the juice inside the drink for good luck and put the tube in my bag, wrapped up deep into my towel.

I didn't really have a choice but to trust the butler. Otherwise I'd have to take him out too, and I didn't want to. I couldn't just coldheartedly kill people left and right like some assassins could. I had /some/ morals. 

After readjusting my t**s in my bikini top, I made my way back outside. I just hoped they were all drunk enough to not realize I did something to the drink.

When I got out there one of the women was yelling at one of the men for touching her ass. 

How badly I want to kick his ass for you, girl.

I bounced over to Richard and happily handed him his deadly drink. He squinted up at me, the sun blinding him.

"Thanks doll. So tell me, what are you? Mexican? Puerto Rican? You are definitely exotic." He took a sip of his drink.

I watched almost in slow motion as his dry old lips wrapped around the kiwi juice and salt.

"Whatever you are, you're much prettier than my ex wife Julie." He chuckled before taking another sip.

I didn't speak, just watched.

"So do you want to take a ride in m-" He coughed, "Excuse me. Take a ride in-" He coughed again, this time grabbing his throat. 

"Are you okay?" I asked pretending to be worried, "Take another drink, your throat must be dry."

He nodded and took another drink. This time choking even more.

"I can't-can't!"

I glanced around to see if anyone was watching him, no one was until he started flailing around. Once people started noticing I put on my act. I grabbed his hand and pretended to panic.

"What's happening?!" I exclaimed.

People around us now running up to Richard to try to help.

"Someone call 911! He can't breathe!" A girl called.

"I think he's having an allergic reaction!" Ed shouted, "He needs an EpiPen!"

But it was too late. He toppled over. Dead.