Chapter 7: Prosecutor

Have you ever had those days where you constantly think, “What am I doing with my life?” Well, I’ll tell you that today was pretty much one of those days. The boss called me at around five in the morning on one of my off days, and needless to say, I wasn’t very happy about it. I had to very quickly pick up the phone so as not to wake the man beside me.

“Hello?” I said as quietly as I could while slowly making my way out of bed.

“Hello, Alice. I know today is your day off but the rookie passed out when I was giving him a new mission and I need someone else to finish off the job.”

I froze. The kid was with us for no more than two weeks and he was already going to die because he passed out? Didn’t he learn the rules? He was a really good kid so I felt really bad, and, to my surprise, my heart actually...hurt.

“Alice? Can you hear me?” The boss asked in an irritated tone. “In case you’re wondering about the kid, he’s going to be fine. I’m not going to kill him. Not yet anyway. I think that he’s been one of our best assets so far.”

I let out a breath of relief. “Alright. So, what’s the mission that I need to finish off for you?”

“I need you to find out who the head of all McDonald’s chains are and kill him. You don’t need to leave a reason this time.”

“Alright. I’ll take care of that for you sir.” I went to hang up when he spoke again.

“Oh, and Alice? Stop by the hospital on your way back. There’s someone waiting for you in room 58.” Then he just hung up.

I stood there for a couple seconds, trying to process everything. First of all, why was the boss making an exception for this new kid? Even though he said that it’s because he thinks he’s been a good asset, there’s got to be more to it than that. The boss has never made an exception for anyone before, so why now? Why Jayce? Either way, I was glad that the boss wasn’t going to kill him. That fact in itself, was very scary..

Next off, what is up with this mission? What did the head of all the McDonald’s chains do to the boss? I would find it hilarious if I didn’t find the boss as scary and menacing as he is. It was also peculiar that the boss didn’t want to leave a reason. For about 99% of our victims, we leave a reason behind. I’m not really sure why, just that it’s a thing we do and now that I was ordered not to, it seems suspicious.

Lastly, the boss usually lets us go after each mission that we are assigned. So why am I being told to go to the hospital after my mission? It doesn’t make sense. I didn’t do anything to make the boss upset so he couldn’t have put someone I cared about in there. Then why-?

I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn’t hear the footsteps of someone approaching me until they put their hands around my waist. I don’t like being touched without a warning so I elbowed them in the stomach and got away from them, balling my hands into fists, ready to fight. The person was doubled over and groaning. I took a step toward them again, and they shot out a hand to stop me.

It then dawned on me that I had just elbowed Daniel. I was so out of it, trying to comprehend everything that I immediately went into defensive mode when he touched me. I completely forgot he was here. I immediately rushed to the freezer and got an ice pack and brought it back to him. He looked at me like I was stupid.

“How is an ice pack going to help me? You elbowed me in the stomach! An ice pack won’t help that! At least I have my breath back now! Give a guy a warning before you go all bizerk, hm?”

I stood there shocked. I didn’t realize how mad that made him. Shouldn’t he know me well enough by now? “Look, I’m sorry. I thought you knew that I don’t like being touched unless there is a warning.”

He glared at me for a couple seconds and then broke out into a smile. I was very much confused. “How can I stay mad at you? Seeing YOU, ALICE, the prosecutor and head assassin being remorseful about something is a once in a lifetime occurrence! Who would have thought I’d be the one and only to see this?”

I rolled my eyes at him and proceeded to put the ice pack back in the freezer. I had been pretty open with him during these past two weeks. About things that have been bothering me and it has been pretty freeing for me. You never really realize what you’ve been missing until you have it.

“I actually have to go and complete a mission that was failed by the rookie and then swing by the hospital before going into work.”

He looked at me quizzically. “What’s going to happen to the rookie? And why do you have to go to the hospital after?”

I tried to walk past him and into my room so I could change but he grabbed my wrist. I raised my hand, acting as though I was going to hit him again and he flinched. I laughed. “You just don’t learn your lesson do you?” I asked him jokingly.

He pretended to think for a second. “Apparently not.” He then kissed me. I pushed back from him, more because I was stunned and sprinted into the bedroom, locking the door behind me.

What was wrong with me? I told myself that I only wanted to be friends with this guy and here we are, acting like a couple. I ran my hands through my hair in frustration and groaned. I need to focus on work and nothing but work. When a knock came at the door, I didn’t even hesitate. I grabbed my headphones, put them in, and turned the volume as high as they would go and started to get ready, completely drowning out my thoughts and any outside noise.

I was ready less than ten minutes later and my spirits were slightly revived again. Until I opened my bedroom door. Daniel was slumped against the door so he fell back and hit his head on the floor. I generally would have asked him if he was alright, but I really couldn’t care less about him right now. I have to get to work, I have to kill someone, and now I’ve checked out of my emotions. Lucky for me, he didn’t try to stop me.

I climbed into my car and decided to start blasting my music again. The more I turn my mind off, the better. I’m a classic overthinker and Daniel knows that now. It’s easy living with him, he leaves me alone when I want to be alone and best of all is that he doesn't ask questions. He just accepts every aspect of me, which is dangerous, because I’m starting to get attached. Daniel’s very smart and if he were to figure out that I’m falling for him, it wouldn’t be good.

I shook my head. Why am I thinking of him right now?! The purpose of me blasting music is to clear my head completely of any controversial thoughts! Daniel proposing and confessing to me in front of all those people has still been a topic of discussion that I refuse to talk to him about right now! Wait? Why am I thinking of this?! STOP THINKING ABOUT HIM! My heart starts beating fast whenever I think of him. Just like with James...No. Never will I let myself fall into that again.

If I’m falling for him, there is only one solution. I have to move out of his house. It was nice of him to offer it to me since his speech made me lose my job and all but I have a new job now and the big boss pays more than ever. I’m back on my feet and no longer need his assistance. I’ll pack my stuff tonight and that’s that.

When I arrived at the target’s house, I didn’t even hesitate, I just went up the steps, knocked on the door, and shot him. You probably think I’m crazy but I’ll have you know that he lived in the countryside with no neighbors on either side for at least five miles. As instructed, I didn’t leave a note giving the reason why.

On the drive to the hospital, I filled my mind with thoughts of tonight and where I was going to go once I left Daniel’s house. It would be okay if I slept at a motel for a week while I househunted, right? Well, the boss would surely disapprove, but what else can I do? It won’t be for long.

I arrived at the hospital and parked my car. When I got out, I took a deep breath and the night air calmed me. When I walked inside, I asked the receptionist who was in room 58 but she said that I had to go find out myself. Per the orders of the boss. I grunted in frustration and trudged up the stairs, wondering who could be there waiting for me.

Once I reached floor five, I walked down the barely lit hallway to room 58. It must be this dim because it’s still early in the morning. I pushed open the door and laying on the hospital bed was that new kid. Unknowingly, I started to smile and feel relieved that he was alive. I sat in the chair beside his bed and looked at him. I knew that at most he probably had a concussion, but seeing him here made me worry more. I found myself beyond thankful that the boss decided to spare him.

As I was studying him and spacing off, he twitched a little and a lock of hair fell over one of his eyes. I reached out to tuck it behind his ear slowly so as not to wake him. I felt ridiculous from the care I put into it. It was like I was in a scene where the two lovers finally reunite after one of them almost dies. But I only see him as a kid, so that’s insane. Right?

I shook my head viciously again. What is wrong with me tonight?! Why am I thinking about two boys who I couldn’t care less about? They mean nothing and yet I feel this way? I don’t get it, I must be sleep deprived. I moved the chair to the farthest corner of the room and decided to wait for him to wake up. It was only about two hours until he came to and I sat there glaring at him, having to sacrifice several hours of my sleep to be here with him and have these thoughts.

He tried to get up several times and I just pushed him back down, stubborn kid. After I pushed him down twice, he tried to get back up again.

“I’m fine. I need to get back to work anyways to complete the boss’s mission.”

I sighed “I said lie down.” I pushed him down again. “The boss called me last night while he was taking you to the hospital and told me to do it so I did it.” He looked worried and stunned at the same time.

“Don’t worry.” I said. “The boss is giving you the day off and is pardoning you for what happened yesterday.”

He sighed with relief and seemed to physically relax so I turned around to go and sit back in the chair again and hopefully catch a nap, but right when I was about to take a step, he grabbed my wrist. I hate it when people touch me unexpectedly, as Daniel had the pleasure of seeing this morning. But because I felt bad that this kid was in a hospital I let him off, even when he was being cringy as hell telling me: “Please don’t go.” If I wasn’t going to physically harm him, I was going to emotionally.

I slapped his wrist and said, “Stop being dramatic, I’m just going to sit in the chair. It’s not like you need me anyways.” I rolled my eyes and walked away. Okay, maybe I was going to hurt him a little bit physically.

“What do you mean, I don’t need you? Of course I do.” He told me, looking genuinely confused.

I spun around to face him and crossed my arms. “No! You don’t! If you did, why do you keep trying to replace me! Why do you keep trying to be better than me?”

He seemed taken aback. “I-I-Look, it’s not like that and you know it. Don’t you know that I like you?”

I laughed and slid my hands down my face. Then mumbled to myself, “What’s up with the confessions recently?” Honestly, I just wanted to work without any distractions. Period. Seems as though God doesn’t want me to do that though.

He swung his legs around so he could stand and then went over to me and put his hands on my shoulders. “What did you just say?” He demanded. I looked at him, confused.

“Some guy basically proposed to me earlier this week.” I said nonchalantly, as though it didn’t matter.

“What did you say? Please tell me that you didn’t say yes.” He demanded while squeezing my shoulders tightly, his nails digging into my skin.

I flinched. “Ow, you’re hurting me. I don’t have to tell you what I said. It’s none of your business.” With that, I turned and exited the room.

It seemed unfair that he could meddle in my business, when he was the one who was constantly trying to be better than me. It didn’t make sense for him to say that he liked me, it was nonsense. People who like people don’t make their crushes miserable. They don’t let them struggle all the time. No wonder I only saw him as a kid.

I walked down the hallway, which was now fully lit, and went to the lobby. If I couldn’t catch a break in his room, then I was going to take a nap out here. I would leave, but it’s the boss's orders that I be here until I have to go to work so I’ll just catch up on sleep. The firm would be mad at me if I fell asleep during the trials anyways.

Before I knew it, I was knocked out. Luckily for me, the sleep was blissful and I went to sleep without a single dream. However, right when I was truly relaxing myself, I heard a familiar voice shouting at the receptionist from earlier. She looked panicked, and I would be too because he was NOT supposed to know about this place.

“Where is she?! I need to find her, I know she’s here! Where is Alice?!!” The man yelled at her, causing her to shrink even further into herself. With a sigh, I got up and walked in their direction.

“Hey! I’m right here, what are you doing here? You’re not supposed-” I was cut off suddenly by Daniel running over and giving me a tight hug. I was now very very confused. “Daniel? What’s going-” He cut me off again but this time with a kiss. It wasn’t a sweet kiss, but rather an urgent one, as if he needed me. As if this could be the last time we would see each other. As if he cared for me….

When he pulled away, I gently pushed back so I could look him in the eyes and I could see he was teary eyed. To put it mildly, I was very confused. As far as I knew, things were perfectly okay when I left. I wonder what made him change his mind.

“Hey, are you okay? Why are you so emotional? What-why the kiss?” I asked him, the questions just pouring from me.

“I just realized when you left that this whole time, I’ve just kind of let you deal with things on your own. It reminded me of what people do when they’re dealing with things all by themselves because I’ve been there before and the thought of losing you hurt me so much.”

I was absolutely speechless. The thing that he was so upset about was something that I was thankful for just a couple of hours ago. But now, hearing him say all this, I am overcome with sad feelings about it as well. For a split second, I broke all my rules, all my wishes, and I hugged him. I felt safe with him and that was scary.

I pulled back after a couple of seconds and looked down the hallway to my left. Standing there, mouth hanging open, and a million of emotions flitting across his face, was Jayce. I just stared at him, I didn’t know what to say or do. He didn’t say anything to me once he unfroze and walked straight past us and out the front doors.

Unknowingly, it was at this moment that my life took a turn for the worst. It was this mistake, that had me fighting for my life from here on out. I should’ve listened to my own rules: Don’t get involved with guys.