Maverick's back is turned towards me, sitting in a chair as two men in black suits open Travis's office doors for me. A man, who I assume to be Travis, sits on the other side of the desk, facing my direction with a gratified smile. Malachi stands towards the left, some steps away from them with his arms crossed over his chest and staring duly at me.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNFVbV9EWW
I gravitate towards where I'm most comfortable; going to stand next to Maverick. Malachi watches me as I cross the room, making the walk seem longer than it should. Recently it's been even more evident; his watchful eye he ensures stays on me.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoekLWEPzJi
"Lilliana...what a pleasure it is to finally put a face to a name."
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIATit2rdif
Travis is younger than I'd expected. He might be in his forties. His dark brown, almost black hair is cut short. Those dark brown eyes are vibrant, lively even as he expresses emotion with them. He contradicts what one would assume a leader of a murder gang would look like. I pictured someone around the same age, maybe even older, touch and rough with a mean personality. He looks as though he might offer to take a look at my taxes for me.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrnnYJpVbe
But I assume that's part of why he's able to, along with the rest of them, get away with their crimes. Playing and looking the part would be somewhat of a clue.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1nHHqiJkz
"I guess I could say the same." I reply.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4KIWDZSQH
I do my best to not act like my nerves aren't running rampant. Though that's kind of hard when all three of the people in the room with you are trained to pick up on things. It creates a sense of exposure, like they can see right through the upturned nose, spotting my crippling anxiety.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRy4dcCT6Q6
"I'd surely hope so." Travis smiles, rising to his feet. "I hope the short amount time you've spent here so far has been suitable."
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeazKGmnVA
I peak every few moments at his movements, casting glances as he starts for the mini bar on the other side of the room.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbI18TiHRI
"But you know what they say; you have to be uncomfortable sometimes to get comfortable." Travis continues as he takes a shot glass down from the shelf. The glass clanks against the countertop as it's set down. "So don't worry if being here has made you feel an undesirable way." He shrugs with his back turned. "That's only temporary."
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrYDhZRpM5
I'm not sure what to reply with so I stay quiet.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLelvHu5t6s
Travis turns back around to face us, glass in hand. "Come, Lilliana. I poured you a shot."
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5wVgVKL2X
I can't catch Maverick's eye; he's still sitting in the chair next to me.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiieBJxomY
So my eyes dart over to Malachi.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6IbLjsWAj
Malachi's arms are still crossed, chin raised just enough to look down on the scene before him. It's like I'm seeking confirmation that it's safe to approach Travis.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRelAA7MVYd
He gives a single, short nod in Travis's direction, giving me the go ahead.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5srV16s1Zd
"Don't be nervous, Love." Travis persuades me further even though my feet are already taking slow steps towards him. "We're all on the same side."
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjoGv0Hc3o
His eyes are warm and body is relaxed as he awaits me, arm extended as he holds the glass out. I can feel Maverick and Malachi staring, comforting me and making me feel more anxious at the same time.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OqxroVv5N
"Just a little something to take the edge off." He says cheekily as my feet come to stop in front of him. "I'm not as scary as you thought, am I?"
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvaCkAbCcX
I hesitate before answering, but Travis's raised, expectant eyebrows make me say what I'm thinking. "I think it might be scarier that you're all...happy?" I take the drink from his hand, looking down into the clear liquid.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiU3FhtZP6e
Travis laughs, tosses his head back and laughs.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRwYaRGN3Y
"I'm sure you're not the first to think that but you are the first to say it!" He puts a hand on his stomach as if to catch his breath. "You're funny, Lilliana." He observes; pleased. "Drink up. We have a few things to discuss."
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAs9cR5eN9
I knock the shot back, passing him the cup to set back down on the mini bar's counter. After doing so, Travis waves a hand, starting for his desk.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdfnt6ozf3
"Have a seat, Love." Travis places both hands on his desk chair's headrest, those smiling eyes aimed right at me.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlapNt1DHfi
Everything he does makes it seem like I'm about to be tricked into something. The flamboyant, overly cheerful attitude feels like a distraction to get me to do as I'm told. This is probably how he got to where he is. Realistically, I'm nervous and paranoid.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MDVkrreHA
My sweaty palms tug the ends of my sleeves over my hands, wiping them off and making myself feel safer at the same time.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMyiDQ7Gg6
I glance over at Maverick and Malachi who have stayed put, unmoving as they observe us carefully.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNU1N7JQ1K
The silence in the room is deafening as I proceed towards the chair. Any other kind of noise from anyone else would help greatly right now. But of course the sound of my awkwardly uncertain footsteps is all that we hear.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqjdKPAz6N
"I believe Malachi and Maverick have made things sound pretty..." Travis begins, his presence looming over me from behind.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFLX0zDRoV
Maverick stares directly into my eyes and I'd never be able to guess what he's thinking, same goes for Malachi.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVG5llWMsT
"All in order to get you here, that is." He explains. "All with good intent, I can assure you." I can sense his hands going back to the chairs headrest. "They told you that killing will make you want to die a little less, yes?"
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPccYbmCDn
When there's a long pause and I realize Travis is waiting on an answer...
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLj0Ahi1pF
I nod my head a couple times.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6CqO7SvXj
"Would you like to know why it'll make you want to die a little less, Lilliana?"
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6g7u5vb1pO
Maverick's eyes aim towards the floor, letting me know whatever is about to come next isn't what I'm going to want to hear. Malachi's head slowly lowers to a straight position. His eyes that are aimed at me brighten, even though they're still low.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjDdaiXlh7
Travis doesn't wait for my answer this time.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1jayQjCRG
"Because killing people...it gives you a reason to live..." He stops. "Well...it gives you a reason to live until you've decided you're pleased with the job you've done, that it's time to retire."
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUF2aX9i5mo
My throat runs dry, making me swallow harshly.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNr6JKXS2v2
"It's thrilling, yes?" Travis asks. My arm jerks at his touch as he lays a gentle hand on it. "Satisfying even?"
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0sNhy1YNk
Maverick sits up straightening his chair, one hand braced on the arm of it, like he's getting ready to make a move.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7YMNBZVu5
I want to shove his hand away as it makes its way to my hair. He pulls it back over my shoulder, making the action longer than necessary. I know better not to make any rash decisions, so I remain unmoving.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYgSI2z7DM
"Easy, Maverick." He instructs in a light but serious tone.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKJKqCcS0E
Maverick searches my eyes for a second before his hand relaxes gradually on the armrest. I can tell he doesn't want to, but he rests into the back of the chair.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSSIt2MaB5
"Killing creates a sensation so great, it's as if you actually feel alive." Travis goes on. "And while your mind and life continuously run amok, killing is the one thing you do have control over."
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzVn6CNSfN
My fingers fidget in my lap, pulling at the sleeves of my sweater. They shake, under pressure and stares.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXsyEMASiU
"Take right now for example." He says. "You're the weakest one in the room, Lilliana. The weakest one in every room." The reminder irritates me; there's a satisfaction all three of them are getting from seeing me in this predicament. "You lack stability, confidence, power. You are no one, nothing."
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkrGpqi7c8
Malachi looks away for the first time. His arms uncross and get put in his pants pockets. He's seemingly uncomfortable...like he has any real reason compared to me.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkClnbTqmT
"If you take head to what I've told you, what they have told you, so far....you'll never feel less than again. Supremacy will come easy to you, no matter whom you face or where you're at." Travis's hands from both of my shoulders. His touch is soft but also feels like a ticking time bomb, like any second he could snap my neck or something. "All of those insecurities will be washed away. The world and everything in it, will be at your very fingertips."
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJd6o8xbI9b
I'd be lying if I said he wasn't selling the idea. Observing the way they live so freely, still sad, but free...it would make anyone envious. Envious enough to do what they do? Probably not. But for me...my morals are being sang away by the idea of my life having a real goal, maybe some worth.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRLcMYAO8e
"All you have to do is give into your feelings. Don't argue with yourself, Lilliana." Travis instructs. "All it takes is doing what you already know you like to do; killing people."
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdBspOEfOM
I chew on my bottom lip, listening but in thought at the same time.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM4dZuQuDL
"It sounds nice, doesn't it, Love?" His taunting voice asks as he leans down to get closer to my ear. "Tell her how nice it is, Maverick."
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nLH6nOjTk
Maverick appears calm and collected in his seat now, gaze level on mine. He licks his lips, making them shine.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37scDlg0Me
"It's very nice, Lilliana." Maverick does as he's told in a monotone voice.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKR5AcJPVt
"Which brings us to why you're here this weekend." Travis explains, standing straight up again. "I'm sure you've figured it's more than you simply tagging along and getting such a moving speech."
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiuymp7WYN
I'm quiet, staring down at the desk.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ueDTFDUiW
"You're going to choose right now, Lilliana."
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W86oAMIRx
My head snaps around, bracing my hands on the armrests to look at Travis. "What do you mean? Choose what?"
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvM5iWrPzL
"If you're in or out, of course." His smile beams down at me. "Would you rather choose to remain this unseen girl who lacks ambition...or would you rather choose freedom with endless opportunities?"
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ912Ho6wvO5
I gradually face forward, gaze glued to the table as my heart races.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXywai7U2JO
"Don't think about it, Lilliana..." Travis directs in a hushed tone. "Just say the answer that immediately comes to mind."
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmrPFoatQH
Still, I hesitate. Travis doesn't let that go on long enough for me to question my gut though.
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuCFI8aoyH
"Choose, Lilliana."
87Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NFisqIfzC
"I want in."
ns216.73.216.82da2
