When I awoke Thomas was gone. It was 12:00 already. Sadness filled me as I pulled the blanket under my chin. I was getting so used to him being home. We were finally just getting to know each other more. I grabbed my phone and saw that there was a text from Jovani and Imani, they were both asking me how I was doing, I would answer them later. I sighed and climbed out of bed. Going into my room, I threw open the closet doors and pulled out leggings and an oversized blue sweatshirt. I put on my white LED shoes. Heading into the kitchen, I saw that the rose was on the kitchen table a note was leaning against the vase. I picked it up,

"The coffee is fresh. Cash is in the envelope on your chair. Have a great day. Don't know when I will be home.." I poured some coffee into a mug and took it to the bathroom with me so that I could braid my hair in two french braids. I was .getting tired of him having to leave me all the time. I wish that he would bring me to his work so that I could see what exactly he did. After drinking my coffee, I waited for a little bit and then brushed my teeth. Grabbing my keys, I headed to the elevator and hopped into my car. I typed in DSW into my GPS, I knew there was one here, but I didn't know exactly where. Once I pulled out of the garage, I started the directions.

(*)-Thomas

"So we'll go to the concert, and then we'll all come back here and eat dinner." Blade was saying as they walked through the inside gardens. Blade had two gardens, one outside and one inside. But it was cold outside, so there was no life in the outside ones.

"Only if your sure sir."

"Of course I am. Also, I've decided to not go overboard with the whole dress-up thing. Just have her wear a cocktail dress or something." Without letting me respond, he continued "Now, I suppose you want to know what type of surveillance you need to do."

"It did cross my mind, yes."

"Well then let me tell you. I need you to survey a man."

"Okay."

"He has brutally killed five teenagers so far."

"Why would he do that?"

"Because he's messed up in the head that's why." Blade pointed a finger at his temple and twirled it around indicating that he might be a little coo-coo in the head.

"Oh." But I'm no better than him. I thought to myself.

"I need you to watch him. Get to know his patterns, when he kills, how he does it. Then when you have all your information, you'll kill him when he's about to kill a girl, but make it look like he killed himself. Then my team will call in an anonymous tip to the FBI."

"I'll start right now." I replied. These were the worst kind of assignment. They always took forever to complete. But the faster I go, the faster I can be back with Devin.

"Good." Was all he said before I left.

(*)-Devin

DSW was only fifteen minutes away and the drive was easy. There weren't a lot of cars out which was helpful. I arrived, parking close to the door as it was a bit nippy out. I grabbed my purse from the backseat and headed in. Once in, I grabbed a cart instead of a basket because I didn't know how many I was going to buy. I felt bad about using his money, but he didn't seem to mind or care. The cashiers greeted me as I entered. I replied with a quick hello and started in the heel section. They had boot heels, stilettos, ones with wide heels. The aisles overwhelmed me, I thought back to the last dress I had tried on, the pink one. I envisioned what shoe I would want to wear with it. Once I did, I went to that specific aisle, the aisle of sandals heels, my absolute favorite. I tried on several pairs, but I went with a strappy five-inch stiletto clear square toe cut off. They would be perfect. Then I thought about the black and white lace ones The black dress, I wanted pink and the white dress, black ones. The grey colored one, maybe a nude color? I went up and down the several aisles trying on pair after pair. After finding the ones I wanted, I put my boxes in the cart and headed to the cashier.

I walked out the door with three new pairs of shoes, I was excited for them. Once in the car, I looked up the nearest Starbucks, I had a craving for a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino. It was ten minutes away and would take me closer to the apartment which was nice. I had spent an hour and a half in DSW. Yikes. I pulled into the parking lot as I was scared to go through the drive-thru, I didn't want to do it wrong. When I got inside, there wasn't a line at all so I waltz right up and placed my order. I waited 10 minutes and then they called my number even though they didn't really have to. I thanked them and then headed for the apartment.

(*)-Thomas

"I am now sitting in front of his house, although it seems to nice for a man who kills. It's a yellow two-story house, with five cement stairs up to the porch. There has been no movement since I got here." I clicked the recorder off and turned on the cameras. One had been placed on the roof, another on the dashboard facing the street, and another on the trunk of the car to watch that way. If there was any movement, they would alert me so that I could look and see if it was him. My eyes were only to be on the house, so Blade had given me these cameras. The bottoms of them were metal, so they stuck right to the car and were strong enough where they wouldn't fall off even if I had to drive with them. This was going to be the slowest day ever. I sipped my second cup of coffee and popped some mint gum into my mouth

(*)-Devin

After putting my things in the room, I went to check the mailbox. I grabbed the key from the hook and walked to the front doors where the mailboxes are. I skimmed the rows until I found his number, I inserted the key and pulled out just three pieces of mail. I looked through it and shrieked loudly. There was a letter from my sister! I tore it open where I stood, I pulled out a little green-colored card with white words that said

You're invited to a Christmas party at the almost to be Chargen family household. Please RSVP if you can attend. I smiled at it. Just like my sister clean and simple. If you wanted to go, you'd have to ask for the details. She did it his way so that if people are really serious, they'd have to call. Now they can't say I'll be there and then not show up. She was also going to probably be writing everyone's name down. I closed the door and ran up to my room, I grabbed my phone and dialed breathlessly. Two rings went by and then

"Heyy girl! What's going on?"

"Hey Lyr, I just wanted to let you know that I will run it past Thoams."

"You got the card!"

"Yeah. It's perfect Lyr. Can you tell me more about the party?"

"No, not yet. We're still putting plans in place. But I will tell you soon, I promise."

"Okay. guess what?"

"What?"

"I went gown shopping yesterday."

"Gown shopping?"

"Yeah. You know like those big fluffy dresses, the expensive ones."

"Really!? Why on earth would you do that?"

"Because tomorrow I'm going to meet Thomas's dad, well it's not his dad, more like a father figure."

"Oh, well that's fantastic Dev! Send some pictures. I have to go okay."

"Yeah. Bye!" We hung up. I flew to my room to put the dresses on and send her the pictures. After taking all the pictures which took a little bit because I had to find the right spot to show them off. I did outside on the balcony. I made sure no one was outside before I did it. After I changed into black sweatpants and a blue long-sleeved shirt and my grey slippers. Then I went into the kitchen, it was a mess. I filled the sink with water and washed the dishes, then I washed the table and the counters. I went into the living room and spruced it up a little too.

I made lunch which was a tuna fish sandwich and some potato chips. I grabbed an A&W from the fridge and plopped down on the couch to binge-watch BlindSpot. It was a new show that I had discovered. I watched two-three episodes and then turned it off. I did some Yoga for a little bit afterward. But I was bored, I wanted human interaction, I was actually craving it. I sighed and flopped down on the couch. I scanned the room, that's when I decided to do some exploring of the house to see if I could find anything. He had told me a lot about himself, but I felt like he was still hiding something. I figured I had some time to snoop since he would be gone for a while. But before I did, I scrolled through Instagram watching random videos.

(*)-Thomas

"Blade, I'm telling you, there has been no movement. In the two hours that I have been here, no one has come or gone from the house. Are you sure this is where your men saw him last."

"Yes, I'm quite sure. Let me verify."

"Hurry." I said urgently. Blade put me on hold. Ugh this was taking way too long. I tapped my thumb against the steering wheel.

"Thomas, you there?" Blade asked his voice sounding irritated.

"Where else would I be?" I replied rudely.

"Those idiots sent you to the wrong house. I'm sending you the correct address now."

"I better get heavily paid for this!" I snapped before hanging up. I gritted my teeth together letting out a string of curse words. I revved the engine of my black mustang and waited for the text. Which came shortly after. He peeled away from the curb and headed to the address. This whole day has been such a waste, why had I agreed. I should have put my foot down. And now tomorrow I have to be with him all concert long and then dinner. It's going to be a rotten day. He thought as he sped through a red light, cars honked at him but he didn't pay them any attention.

(*)-Diego

"So you sent the card out?" I asked her as came into the bedroom with the basket of laundry

"Yes, but just to her. You made me feel guilty for not sending it out. But I will send everyone else's out soon."

"I'm sorry I made you feel guilty."

"It's alright. Now, help me fold the laundry, or I will never let you forget you did." She replied teasing me as she threw her undies in my face. I helped fold the laundry, we made small talk of our future plans. I knew that she was excited but also nervous about all the unknown things that might pop up.

(*)-Blade

After taking care of some business and by business, I mean eliminating the idiots. I went down to the lab. I wanted Margie to call Bear so that he could show me my supposed mansion. I didn't have one. I lived in the drab building I worked in. I felt it was more efficient than having two places to keep up.

"Margie, please place a call to my son." I told her as soon as the doors whooshed open.

"Yes sir.'' She put the phone to her ear and dialed. Margie was my second assistant. She had olive skin and brown light brown hair with a few blond highlights. She wore black oval glasses and when I wasn't around, always wore a smile. I don't know why they think they can't smile around me. I don't mind it really as long as they don't do it too often. "Sir." I looked up and she handed me the phone.

"Hello son."

"Hi Dad, what do you need?"

"I want you to show me that Mansion. I want to familiarize myself with it. Oh and get the staff to come too."

"Yes sir. I'll pick you up."

"Perfect." Bear hung up and I handed the phone to Margie. Then I went back to my office and shrugged on my coat. I hated winter because then I had to wear a jacket. It was such an annoying thing to wear, always made me feel like I was suffocating. I sat down on my chair and drummed my fingers against the oak wood.

I couldn't wait to meet this Devin girl in person. Then I really could see for myself if she was the right one. I'm sure she was. I'd been watching her sister for the past couple of days, she was the more feisty of the two and so I knew that what I had come up with would not work on her. She would just fight it and not succumb to it.

"Sir?" Margie's voice came through on the intercom.

"Yes Margie?"

"Your son is here."

"Thank you" He stood up and walked to the front door. His son's sleek grey Mercedes Benz was parked by the curb. The driver got out and opened the back door for him. He climbed into the lovely heated car.

(*)-Bear

After he got in, I told the driver where to go.

"Bruke huh? Isn't that the creepy side of town?" He asked.

"Yes, it is. I figured it would you better than those nice cozy neighborhoods." He let out his creepy chuckle and his hand came down onto my shoulder

"What would I do without you son." It wasn't something to answer. I knew very well, he would make Thomas his number one son if anything happened to me. Oooo that infuriating man. He stole my father away from me, I was supposed to be my father's number one, do all the dirty things for him. Now I was making Thomas pay by also working for me. I figure if my father is powerful, why can't I? Of course, now my father knows I have my own business after one of my new hires got frantic and told my father when he had come to visit. After my father left, I had ended the man's life. He was not cut out for this line of duty. I acted tough on my own, but let's just say I turn into a chicken when I was with my dad. But that is just between you and me.

We turned down a shady street, no sun had ever touched this side. The houses rose up like angry waves. I knew that underneath that snow, the grass would always be brown. When spring came, there would be no new life. We came to the end of the road, where a solid metal fence rose to the heavens. My driver pulled up and pushed some buttons on the keypad. The gate opened with a creak and then he drove through onto a dirt road that was lined with old gnarly trees that bent over the road like fingers. We finally arrived at the old crumbling brick mansion, the driver parked and opened my door and then went around and opened my fathers. We walked up the cement stairs and through the door that hung by it's hinges.

(*)-Devin

After watching all the videos I wanted, I decided to start my snooping. I headed to his bedroom, as that is where everyone supposedly hides their secrets. I opened his closet and knocked on the wall, but it was all firm, nothing hollow. I looked on either side of the closet. There was nothing there. I tried his nightstand, nothing there. I turned my attention to his dresser. I walked towards it and opened the first door, this was his jeans drawer. I sighed I hadn't found anything interesting yet. I didn't really know what to expect. I skipped down to the middle drawer, I opened it and then quickly slammed it. It was his unmentionables drawer. But then I suddenly had a thought, If you don't want someone to find something that's where one might put it. I pulled it open and grabbed everything out only to find it completely empty.

I felt around and that's when I felt it, the wood didn't feel right at one of the corners. finding a little divet, I lifted and the whole bottom came off! I gasped at the sight of five guns and a couple of pointy knives, not ones you would find in the kitchen. I slammed the wood back down and put his stuff back in. I backed away and sat on the bed. Why would someone have those hidden? Is it normal? I walked back out to the living room and flopped on the couch. I wondered what was taking him so long. I wish he would be home soon, I mean the day was almost half over. The more I thought about the dinner, the more I realized I would feel too awkward in that fancy of a gown, I had a few cocktail dresses I could wear instead, I'd have to mention it to him when he comes home. My phone buzzed and I saw that it was a text from Zoey,

"Hey Dev. I am so mad right now! The dresses won't be here in time." My fingers flew across the keys

"What!? Why?"

"Because they got shipped to a different country. How does that even happen?"

"That is so messed up."

"I know. Now I have to try and find one."

"Actually I have one you could borrow."

"Really!?"

"Yeah. Why don't you come over tomorrow and you can look at them."

"Thanks hun! I love you." And with that she hung up. I laughed to myself. She had been so frantic. I mean I was kind of worried, but then when I realized I had a dress I could wear, so then I wasn't. I decided to read for a little bit. I found that I enjoyed reading. I hadn't done much reading before because Lyr and I hadn't owned a single book. Getting up, I walked to the bookshelf and scanned the shelves looking for one that might be interesting to read.

(*)-Thomas

Arriving at a brown colored rambler with a wobbly ramp up to the front door. He instantly knew this was the right place. A pitful place for an evil man. He stationed the car a few feet away from the house, using his binoculars, he looked through a window that had no shade on it. He saw something go past it, a big stalky thing in a yellow jacket. He followed it, but the next window had a shade cover the thing from view. He quickly dialed Blade

"There is some movement. All the shades are drawn up so I can't see much."

"Alright. Good job, you can go home for the day. I expect you back tat the house tomorrow though."

"Yes sir." They hung up. He looked at the clock and growled it was already 5:00. He revved his engine and started his way home, he would pick up Chinese for them as a way to say I'm sorry for being gone so long will you forgive me?

(*)-Devin

After skimming the shelf, I finally found one that peaked my interest. It was a deep red colored one with a gold binding. The words on the spine seemed to be in a different language. I grabbed it, but it wouldn't come out. What could it possibly be stuck on? I pulled down on it and that's when I heard a whirring sound. I stepped back and saw that the bookcase had opened revealing a small room. It was a fake book! I walked into the small gray-colored room. In the middle of the room was a table and a chair. Along the back wall was a rectangle table with folders and a computer on it. I went to the folders and opened one, my hands began to shake. There staring back at me was Lyric. I looked to the side, everything about her was written out. I opened the next one and saw me and all my information. I opened the laptop, it was still on. I looked around until I saw a folder labeled Devin. I opened it. There in the folder, all laid out in words so simple a five year could understand was Thomas's mission. Everything he had done up until we had met. Even after we met. Then I saw another folder with Thomas's name on it. It had his picture in there. His full name, his age, date of birth. His security number everything. Underneath his signature it read "I vow to complete this mission. If I break any rules, the following things will be sent to the FBI and I will face the consequences. Another folder held texts from some guy named Blade. The more I looked, the more I saw that they were talking about, about me! I closed out of the folders and slammed the lid shut. I put the folders back and clutched the edge of the table for support. If he got caught, I would lose him forever, or would I care?

My head starting spinning, I couldn't breathe. I backed out of the room stumbling blinding, tears streamed down my face. Going back to the bookshelf, I pushed the book back in place and the door shut. I fell to my knees in front of the bookshelf clutching my stomach. Why? Why? Was all I could think. Why was he working for this man? What was so important about me? Was our relationship real or simply a job? All of a sudden I heard the doorknob jangle, I charged into the bathroom and hid in there, my hands shaking. Who could possibly be at the door? Was it the man named Blade? Was it Thomas? Did he figure out that I had found his---I fell back into something soft and hard at the same time, darkness overcame me before I could finish the thought or see who my attacker was.