Just doing my Job

She was sitting in the chair, zoned out. The tattoo machine was buzzing loudly. The inked man was centered at her back working diligently. Her shirt was off and she was clutching a pillow hunched over. Her eyes were closed, the earbuds were playing a hard rock song. The stinging pain just below her neck had dulled to a numb ache an hour ago. This was a new piece and she was proud of it. It read ‘And when I arrive, I will arrive violently’. It had the symbol of her old squad. She had intended to get one with her crew back in the sandbox but never got the time.

A tap on her shoulder brought her back to the current time. “How many does this make for you?” Niall asked. A few moments of silence; aside from the constant buzz, “Twelve maybe?” His eyes bugged a bit. “And here I don’t have one.” “I can change that dude” the artist chimed in. “Nah, I’m good. Thanks though. I’ll just admire hers.” She blushed and buried her face in the pillow she held. “You’re killing me smalls. What’s up?” “Just thought I’d see what was going on. We haven’t really done much these past few days. Don’t get me wrong. I’m enjoying my training with Jenson. I must say, I think I’m getting better. Can we go out? Please?”

“Let me get done here and we’ll talk. Ok?” He nodded and walked away. Jenson approached cautiously, “Boss?” “Hmm?” “We’ve got a problem. I haven’t heard from Scott in a few days. You know he’s good about checking in daily be it by phone, email or in person. He was following up some leads from the break-in. What do you want to do?” “Have you been to his apartment?” “Not yet. Checked everything else. This don’t feel right. Something’s wrong.” “We’ll go.” “We?” “The kid and I. He wants to go out. Feels confident from all the training the two of you have completed. Time to test it. So to speak.” “Think that’s a good idea?” She cut her eyes to him while maintaining perfect stillness. He surrendered and backed away. “I’ll get him ready.”

Moments later, the artist completed his work and hummed in appreciation. “Another good work in the books. Thanks Leslie. Same time next week?” “I’m not sure. I’ll let you know. Thank you. I’ll see you around.” They fist bumped and she went to clean up. After carefully covering the new art, she pulled on a plain white tank. The shoulder holster nestled snugly around her tat without irritating it. A long sleeved blue and green flannel button up went over those. Her boot cut jeans and flat tall boots finished the outfit perfectly. She looked carefree with a secret. She met the young man in the hallway. He was occupied with his phone when she pushed him against the wall, face first. “Oh Love, you’ll have to buy me dinner first and I’m not a cheap date.”

She fought back a laugh and patted him down. “You’re not carrying your pistol I gave you?” “Do I need to?” She nodded vigorously. “Never leave safe confines without some form of protection. Ever.” “I’ve got you.” He tried to joke but she stopped that immediately. “I may not always be there. I may be incapacitated or otherwise. You have to be able to defend yourself no matter who is around.” He left and came back moments later. “Locked, cocked, and ready to rock.” He bragged. She rolled her eyes and led the way. “Don’t get cocky pop star. It just may be the death of you.” He paused at her words. “You sure know how to be a buzz kill.” Her shoulders merely shrugged. “So, where are we going?” “Errands. First stop, one of my team member’s apartments. Next, we’ll get some grub. Then maybe one of my favorite spots. It’s a secret location that no one knows about, so I will have to blindfold you.” He grinned and held his hands up in a pleading manner. “Tease me with a good time!”

She rolled her eyes and they drove off. The vehicle of choice was bland considering the past cars he’d rode in. A new suv that was tinted out and impossibly fast. She slid her wrap-a-rounds on her face and they took off. He silently observed her while she drove. Her head was constantly on a swivel. Her driving was impeccable. He was beyond impressed. No matter what had happed this far, he felt safe. He knew she would take a bullet for him, no questions asked. It bugged him that he didn’t want her to but he knew he couldn’t stop her from doing so. He was lost in his thoughts when the car came to a stop. “We’re here. Come on up and meet my next in command. Behind Jenson of course.” They had pulled up to a modest high rise apartment building that looked like the oldest building in the city.

As they walked, she kept him on her gun side. They walked close together and with a fast pace. Once inside, the elevator took them to the tenth floor. “His is the only apartment on the floor. We arranged it that way. This place is so none descript that no one would ever think to look here if we had to hide someone. You might have to stay here at some point.” He observed how everything looked better the further up he went. When the doors opened, a sprawling living room appeared. It looked like it hadn’t been lived in for several days. “Um, I thought your teammate was going to be here.” So did I. Keep your eyes peeled. Stay by my side.” Her hand went to the holster and he heard the unmistakable snap. Gun in hand, she began to clear the apartment, room by room, her gut instinct screaming at her to back away and get Niall to safety.

Notes

Not sure I like this one. Feels like filler. Read over and over it....