TO KILL IS TO SERVE

Chapter 12: The Operation

“Info, are you done cracking the security inside?” I asked through my hands-off communication device for the nth time. We didn’t bring any radio this time because the signal might get caught and I am the only one who can contact Info for I am on standby. Info has been working on hacking the CCTVs inside for a while now and even his out-of-this-world skill cannot break through their security immediately. “It’s been three cursed hours and I haven’t had any report from them yet. If they were all Tyros, I would understand their sluggishness but they are f*****g not, except for the new kid. This really feels unsettli— ”

“Calm down, I am still hacking the system. You’re talking awfully much.” Info said the same thing again, for the fourth time tonight. I want to f*****g punch him and question his supposed-to-be godly skill, but I believe Info is just being cautious as well. We don’t know how prepared the other side is. And who the hell gave them the rights to prepare.

The three of them went in by exactly 9PM and it’s almost 12AM now and yet there is still no sign, not even shadows of any of them. The mission was only scheduled to be done by an hour and they should be out now. What the heck is happening inside?

“Should I go in?” I asked, again, but Info ignored me this time, busy with his infiltration for I can hear him tapping and typing on his keyboard. “Info, should I back them up, now?” I questioned louder but still minding my camouflage. It is my job as a look-out to back them out when something has happened but I am here, doing nothing but wait for them and for Info’s command. “f**k, Info answer me—”

“Reisun,” He finally spoke, cutting me off, and the frantic war with keyboard was no more. “Retreat.” He added with heavy breaths, like he’s in a critical time to order me to abandon my f*****g work.

My stomach contracted with the tone of this unbelievably dense man. When he sounded like that, I almost thought that we got bombed. I jerked and got myself ready to jump from the second floor and run to the building in front of me—Via RestoBar. I know something has happened. “Info, what happened? I am getting—”

“Did you not hear me?” He asked, cutting me off for the third time while emphasizing the urgency. “I said, retreat!” Amongst all the assassin THD can f*****g place in front of me, Info will always be the first one who will never cut me off while I’m talking—or so I thought.

“Info, can you hear yourself, you fucker?” I bit my tongue to prevent talking too much. Someone might hear me and everything will be more f****d up. “This is a joint operation and I am here to back them up. To f*****g back their f*****g backs, you f*****g dealer.” I repeated the last line, almost whispering in rage while emphasizing every curse I uttered. “Now tell me the situation and the possible exits, I am going—”

“Always a pain in the ass.” He clicked his tongue. “You can’t do anything now, Reisun.” He stopped me for the f*****g five times now and groaned internally, but I waited for him to talk again. “I tried hacking into their security system for almost 30 minutes and I cannot get through, then all of a sudden, it became too easy. A computer genius is with them, Reisun; and he just let me access one CCTV.”

I know he’s been battling with someone through his knowledge in computer technology and hacking, but for a big shot like him, who has been acknowledged by hundreds of assassins and even the boss himself as one of the best in this field, praising another of his kind is frightening as s**t.

“Reisun, they anticipated our assassination and it would take at least a little time until they figure out your presence.” His voice lowered down, like he was saddened in a flash. I could comment that this is something unprofessional for an assassin, but I cannot bring myself into saying something I might regret. “And the CCTV I had my eyes on is a live video of Manchineel, Strangler and Mantis’ heads on a table. That’s probably not inside the bar. Someone must’ve taken them out after drugging them or making them unconscious through other exit. It’s been quite some time since the operation began, so it makes sense.”

In one fell swoop, I trembled, like a kid abandoned by his mommy. This is what I can consider as my first joint mission and I did nothing but to wait until death came upon my colleagues. For the first time in a long time, I want to throw up in a mission because of disgust. This is f*****g amateurish for a hitman who has stained his hands with the blood of many, almost countless, in human sense.

“Return, now, Reisun.” Info ordered and it snapped me back to the reality. “There is no chance of succeeding this when the three are—” I removed my earpiece as soon as I spotted the target, heading out of the resto-bar. He indeed is a big boy. His guards are around him and his car arrived just now. I could see his biceps and abs even from afar. What perfect pork for my goddamn birthday!

I held my gun firmly, with no assurance that I can be saved from today but at least, with 89% accuracy, I aimed at the target. “Reisun, you’ve done countless shooting missions already. This is nothing for you.” I whispered while adjusting my hands to shoot. I don’t know if he were on his bulletproof vest or he did let his guard down already, thinking all his assassinators have been killed before now but… this is a bullshit joint mission if I be running. I don’t f*****g cut and run—that’s for kids.

“Here goes nothing.” I whispered to myself and fired, aiming for his head, before he could get inside his car. His head is the only target I could try hitting without the fear of seeing the bullet bouncing off if I were to shoot his arms or chest… I am not exaggerating; it is just how I see him—literally bulletproof.

And he fell down, saturating the ground with his blood and causing the people in and out of the resto-bar panic. His guards looked up and around, trying to catch a glimpse of their boss’ assassinator while I am already on my way back to Info. Good thing I got to grab a random sniper rifle today out of rush.

“—sun? Reisun!” Info called and kept on calling me as soon as I put my earpiece back on.

I exhaled while running to save my life, “Kindly count that kill to Mantis’.” Uttering, I thought, he deserves to die as a Tyro. This is not my professional self but f**k it. I don’t want to have that kill under my name. “And give me a f*****g map, I don’t know this place.”

I sat down while a face utterly pissed off as I remember how foolish I was… I just let my feelings get ahead of me. If I had accepted that as my kill, I wouldn’t have to deal with Alora anymore and just get over it as a newly pledged Stealth, rewarded with the complete payment since my partners died on the mission. It would seriously be an honour to identify my last Agent kill since he was a Shadow C and not some random innocent-looking artist. I am so dumb. I groaned and held my temple.

“Seriously, I feel so dumb.” I verbally ranted. “It should’ve been my last kill.” I threw my fist in the air as I blustered.

Mister Love just looked at me, waiting for his moment to talk. He usually does this—giving me enough time to rant all I want and then fill me up with his blabbers and nags before I get to leave.

I sighed and calmed myself down after quite some time of ranting. “I just genuinely don’t want a lady to be my graduating kill but I have no choice now, I guess.” I uttered and placed both my feet on the table. Unless I demand for another quick contract, which is less likely to happen within this month, especially when I mindlessly disobeyed Info back then. He must’ve been really angry. “So,” I faced the beloved boss and my past client, getting his attention. He turned to me and asked me with his expression. I smirked with my brows arched.

“Thank you for telling me the details about your mission.” Mister Love replied before I could continue what I was about to ask. He gently picked up his cup of tea and sipped on it. He called me here an hour before I go to sleep just to ask me about what happened last Sunday night. I thought he would at least punish me for disobeying his orders yesterday at the tribute, in front of hundreds of assassins working for him, but maybe he has forgotten about that already. I really wish he forget.

“You’re welcome.” I answered. “Now why did you have to make me be part of that mission?” I asked right away for I have been meaning to do so since last Sunday.

“To answer that question,” He put his cup down and shook his shoulder to relax. “I simply know you would fit for the job.” What an annoyingly angelic face. I thought with a glare. He cannot be someone who had killed hundreds and still look genuine at the same time. That is unfair for real genuine people. I am glad to get paid but I cannot deny the fact that I am f*****g suspicious of his reason.

“Why would you hire the other three, then?” I asked again without muttering anything unnecessary.

He is as good as ever, showing no signs of anything but his pure answers, which are ironically impure.

“You needed help—”

“I do not, you know that.” I breathed out, sat properly and leaned in to match his stares. I hope to learn that tactic and use it to Alora. I thought and nodded to myself. “I can even leave you dead here.” I pouted and he beamed like he doesn’t care. But I believe he seriously considered what I declared. You’ve cultured and raised a pro-killer, Dad. I can confidently say that I am even better than Samson and Esther, his own children, and Jabez, Esther’s husband, who is also a pro-Stealth.

“That is my answer.”

As anticipated, he cannot be shaken. Infuriating to the ninth hell. I scoffed. “So now, answer my real question,” I added and crossed my arms as I lay my back on the backrest of the swivel chair comfortably, “Why did you propose that mission?” I asked and he stared at me, silently. “Again, why did you have to give us that mission, Dad?”

He sighed and fixed his silver-coloured hair. If I were a normal person passing by Mister Love, I would never think of him as a 64-year old man. He likes to colour his hair so much that he looks like someone in his mid-forties. I assumed Strangle once thought he’s still fairly young because of the way he dresses and dyes his hair. “You know that there’s another reason why I called you here, right?” He just avoided my question and the whole topic by inserting another important one.

It is either he wanted to train me by making me assassinate a former assassin, or get rid of me, the assassins I was working with, and Head-crusher all at the same time. If neither, then why? Why the f**k did he make me part of that mission? Why would he kill Head-crusher and why in this hell would he agree to put in an Apprentice in the team?

“Right, son?” He asked again.

I was planning to leave earlier. I yawned in boredom while nodding, since I know I wouldn’t get the answer I want. I admit defeat, and I won’t do it again—not until you get to point a dagger on my neck. “It will be on Sunday, I suppose?” He nodded as I ask. “Can I just drop by and give you something and go?” Although my question will probably go into trashcan, I still gave it a shot. Dad has been very patient with me lately—maybe because I’m now working with my graduation kill as an Agent and debut kill as a Stealth, so perchance he’ll let me off hook this time. I really don’t want to see the Loverios, especially the little monsters. They are f*****g annoying to hell.

His firm grunt answered my question in a whim then he crossed his bulky arms. He’s not a 35 year-old assassin for nothing. I even remembered how easily he can lift weights even at his old age back when I was still under his training, years ago. He’s definitely a monster. I whispered to myself.

“Don’t wear anything too formal. We will just celebrate at home.” He finally spoke after that crossed-arms staring contest. He is a man of charm and words, and when he stayed silent, it’s really creepy. “Everyone will be there, be sure to arrive early.” And he dismissed me before my mouth utters all the complaints I have.

Fuck life. With heavy breaths, I closed Dad’s office door and walked out of the place after getting kicked out without having my last words. “I haven’t even had any rest lately!” I grumbled and reached for my vibrating work phone. I peeked at the unregistered number and browsed it in my head. It’s her again. I sighed and paused from walking to answer the call. “What do you want?”

“I am home, Reisun!” Her energetic voice greeted me. My whole system froze for a second after hearing her voice after a long time. “Are you excited to see—”

“I know you’re here. And no. Kindly don't call me again.” I answered her in the coldest way I can and dropped the call before she could even talk back with her sickening enthusiasm. I will stand in the sickening part. “I don’t have time to distract myself again.” I heaved an exhale and continued heading out of THD Entertainment building—the front cover the wise Mister Love has thought of in order to hide his bloody business.

I still have someone to kill and a f*****g birthday party to attend. So no, Danger. No.