Barney’s arrival announcement pumped Emily’s blood even higher. Her eyes scanned around, her fist holding firm to the shot gun hidden in her shopping bag.

As she stepped down, she noticed the hefty guards that mounted every axis of the manor. Looking to the side, was a large acre of land with green grasses and some wooden fences on several axis. From where she stood, she could spot the huge red ranch, she wondered if during the day she could see some of the horses. But more than that, she had marked it as part of her escape plan if the execution goes well.

“Don’t let all these big muscles frighten you…they are loving guys on the inside.”

She just hummed a response, following behind him into the huge mansion. More guards in black were mounted at the gate, her eyes counted a total of 40 men mounted around the manor.

Her bullets were less than fifteen. ‘I’ll just have to improvise’ she thought. Looking at their swollen pockets and confirming their guns with them.

“No bags allowed in!” A husky voice hurled at her, his arms stretched as a barrier.

“She’s my personal assistant let her in.” Logan attempted intervening but the guard insisted.

“It’s a direct order from the boss…no bags allowed.”

Logan frowned in retreat, “Emily, how about you keep your bag in those lockers. We’ll get it on our way out.”

She cussed all the way to the locker at the right hand side of the door. It was her only means of getting her weapon inside. Her gown was too tight to conceal her shotgun.

“I’ll find another way!” She shoved it into the locker before stepping out. Logan was waiting by the door, sighting her advancing a smile curved on his lips.

It spited her the more, “let’s go!” He said, leading her behind him as they stepped into the mansion. The height and vastness of the living room was too large that even with the number of furnitures that were arranged in it, it still appeared empty.

Five of Emily’s apartment would fit into the living room. The chandelier sparkled, the tiles sang back to her as her heels clicked on them.

“This way!” A lady in a blue apron led them in the right direction. Through a small wooden door that led outside to the field.

As they advanced the tiny lights that sparkled from a distance became a closer reality. Bulbs shining on stands, an elevated plane, tiled and adorned for a dining. The twenty seater glass dining table was seated in the middle of the dark field. Only the bulbs on the standing poles lit up the space.

Seated were five of Ryan’s top associates who have become family as well as Julian and his daughter Clara. Paulina, Ryan’s mistress and her son, Diego were also seated. Betty, Logan’s mother and his younger sister, Becca were also present. As well as other extended families were also present to give their reports.

All seats were filled save the empty seat on the right hand of Ryan that was reserved for Logan.

“Look who finally decided to join us!” Diego announced. Betty gasped in relief, she had feared that Logan wouldn’t make it.

“My son!” Betty yelped, standing to her feet with broad stretched arms. He proceeded to giving his mother a hug. “I’m so sorry. I had an emergency.”

“There’s always one with you.” Diego chunked down a spoonful of pie in his mouth.

“Diego, you’ll speak to your brother in a respectful tone.” Ryan cautioned, “now, greet him the proper way.”

“Do I have to?” Diego sneered.

“He really doesn’t have to.” Logan chirped in.

Ryan slammed the table, “Diego greet and apologize to your brother!”

Diego grumbled his way up to his feet, bowing slightly and kissing the back of Logan’s palm. “Forgive me brother. We are so glad to have you join us.”

Logan patted his shoulders, “it’s fine.”

Logan proceeded to pulling his chair when his mind flashed back to his guest. Emily was standing some meters away, her teeth clenched, blood boiling and her heart about to explode. She was standing in front of the man who stole everything from her…the one who killed her parents.

“So, dad, remember I told you that my last assistant resigned.” Ryan nodded, Logan pulled her closer. “This is my new assistant, Emily Grant.” There she was glowing in her red dress but her face was staunched as she fought back tears.

Ryan rose to his feet, “I must admit, this is one of the most beautiful staffs you’ve brought home.” Ryan stretched forth his hands, “come, child. I have a thing for reading people from their hands.”

Emily restrained for a bit before reluctantly handing it Ryan.

In her head, she threw a punch to his nose. Pulled him by his black hair and shattered the glass table with his body. She would then get creative by stabbing every piece of glass into his skull and tear him down. But in reality, her hands were fondled in his.

“Such firm hands for a lady.” He peered deep into her eyes, “tell me, child. Have these hands killed before?”

“Woah!” Logan intervened, yanking her hands off his grip, “enough of your weird stuffs, dad. You’ll end up scaring her on her first day.”

“Too bad, there’s no vacant seat for our little miss auburn hair!” Diego yelped as he chuckled cynically. Emily’s eyes scanned him and she could tell he was a troublemaker…a killer. He had the glint.

“That’s not a problem.” Clara, Logan’s fiancée stood up. “I was about leaving anyway.” There was a hurt in her voice. She was hiding it but it was loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Come on, Clara. I just came and you’re leaving?” Logan sprang to his feet in an attempt to stop her when three of the hefty guards at the mansion entranced marched in.

Ignoring everyone else, they moved straight to Ryan. One of them whispering something into his ears. Emily watched his eyes nearly pop out of its socket.

“Who’s that bloody traitor that brought a gun to this place?!”