I was unpacking and getting ready for the job. I only had one week and I didn’t even know the contents of the file I had on my table. Larry watched me in a very suspicious way.

Larry had always known that working with me came with its fair share of surprises, but the turn of events in his past encounters with me had left him feeling utterly bewildered. Larry would have noticed my recent behavior towards him and my judgment calls all gone wrong. My love for Marvin has erupted in my emotions and my decisions recently.

"Larry, we have a new contract," I began, my voice was steady. "The Contractor reached out with a proposal," I said.

Larry was curious and I could see that, but how he remained calm despite his curiosity never seemed to baffle me.

"What's the contract about?" He asked me.

I opened the envelope, revealing a dossier that contained photographs and information about a man named Mr. Ross, who had been reported missing. "Mr. Ross, whoever he is has been kidnapped. The Contractor wants me to secure his release," I said.

Larry's eyes widened as he scanned the documents. The seriousness of the situation was apparent. "Are we talking about a ransom situation?" He asked.

I had not read that part, and I peeped to look at the page he was reading and saw what the ransome was.

I nodded. "Yes, I think so and the Contractor has already paid me the hundred million dollars I requested," I said.

“Wow, that’s great! Why are you looking indifferent? Larry asked me.

“He paid me another advance from the previous contract,” I said.

“You have the contract of killing Marvin, right,” Larry asked.

“Yes, killing Marving,” I said.

“Can I see the amount?” Larry asked. Larry was taken aback by the amount. "That's a significant sum.

“So why would he give such an amount for another advance for you to kill Marvin?” Larry asked.

“It’s for motivation. So I should do the job faster than I was doing,” I said.

“Then do it. Honestly, I don’t know why you have been playing around and keeping the target alive till now,” Larry said.

“It’s okay, let's talk about the new contract,” I said very feebly, seeking his validation to move on to another discussion and topic.

What exactly does the Contractor want us to do?" Larry asked.

I leaned forward, my gaze unwavering. "Larry, we need to find Mr. Ross and ensure his safe return. The Contractor has given me the resources I need, but I’ 'll need your help to secure Marvin and also assist with this new contract. My priority is to take Mr. Ross back, unharmed." I said.

Larry hesitated for a moment, his mind racing with the implications of the new mission. He had always been willing to support me, but this was a different level of complexity.

"Are you sure about this, Cassie?" Larry asked me, with so much concern lacing his voice.

My determination shone through. "I have the means to make this a success unless you are doubting my expertise, Larry. Anyway, I can't turn my back now on that. I need you and, together, we'll navigate this challenge and uncover the situation." I said very convincingly, trying very hard to get his buy-in.

Larry found himself going back and forth through the pages of the file on the table. I saw from his look that something was bothering him, the weight of my words pressing down on him. The decision we faced was not to be taken lightly, and he knew that whatever choice we made would have far-reaching consequences. No one pays you that much for a job that simple.

“Do you know the Martinez Gang?” Larry asked me.

“The gang from Mexico, yes I know them,” I said.

“No you don’t, Cassie, if you did you would have noticed the tattoo on the arm of the kidnapper in one of the pictures,” he said,

Larry was right. I did not see or I failed to go through the file properly and Larry had questioned my judgment calls lately since my involvement with Marvin. I knew he was just looking out for me. I have allowed my emotions to get to me and hinder my thoughts and, thereby, my job.

“You are leaving out details and it’s not good for both of us, it could get us killed or less fail the contract and both situations are not a good thing for both of us,” Larry said.

For the first time, I admitted he was right. “I am sorry Larry, I do not want to put you in any position that would endanger your life,” I said.

“Do you love him?” Larry asked.

“Excuse me, love who?” I asked back.

“Do you love Marvin?” He asked again.

“Hmm” I sighed, that was the only thing I could say. I was not ready to give him an answer. Though he got the message very clear.

“It’s okay, please can you go to the gym, take today to clear your thoughts and mind, and then go through the files properly. I need you back in your better self and thoughts. I still love our lives,” Larry said, smiling.

Without hesitation, I took the file, grabbed my gym bag, and went to the gym. The gym is where I think most times and Larry knew that. After working out, my brain functions at ultra-high levels. After a few hours of working out in the gym, I took out the file.

The Martinez Gang was a gang most people feared and I should too. They help move guns and weapons in the underworld. Even if I rescue Mr. Ross from them, they would forever hunt me. They never forgive and always see death as compensation for any mishap. I loved the challenge or would I say I love the money.

Larry’s phone buzzed with messages from me, asking him to meet me at the gym. When he came, he was very determined to discuss what options we had and I was pleased with his demeanor.

I sat down on one of the desks at the gym. Larry could see that my expression was a mix of resolve and uncertainty. "Larry, we need to make a decision now. Time is of the essence when it comes to Mr. Ross."

Larry nodded, his mind racing with the possibilities. "Cassie, rescuing Mr. Ross is a noble cause and very good money, and I want to help. But we can't ignore the risks involved. You would not want me to ignore the Martinez Gang, or do you? What if this is a trap? What if the Contractor has ulterior motives?" Larry said.

I understood Larry's concerns but my mind was made up and I remained steadfast. "I've considered those possibilities, Larry. But we can't stand idly by when I have the means to potentially do this and I have been paid a large sum to save Mr. Ross’s life. We'll take precautions, conduct thorough investigations, and ensure that our every move is strategic," I said.

Larry sighed, he was torn between his desire to assist me and his concerns for our safety. "Okay, Cassie, I'm in. I'll help rescue Mr. Ross, but we need to be cautious every step of the way."

I offered a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you, Larry. I knew I could count on you. We'll put together a plan and gather the necessary resources. Our mission is to bring Mr. Ross back safely and because I do not want you to get involved with the Martinez Gang. You will only have a peripheral task that will not reveal your identity," I said, assuring him of his safety.