Tossing the keys in the air after securing the locks, I smirked. My sense of hearing was keen at night, and from what I had heard so far, I wasn't disappointed to send Rory home.
Usually, it was he who closed the library while I left right after the clock struck five. But for tonight, and only for tonight, I had to create some inconvenience for him to go early.
I might need to compensate him the next day, but it was worth it.
Wizardo scolded me and would probably hit me in the head if he and I were face to face when I told him about the situation. He didn't like it, but it was too late.
The deed was done.
He was bound to help me, or we would all fall together.
Well, that was an exaggeration.
If my identity gets exposed, it would only be my downfall. Seven and Wizardo wouldn't be involved as they had no direct relation with me.
As for Wizardo, he was the safest among us.
I have no association with him except for the audio calls.
To this day, I don't even know what he looked like. I could have met him somewhere in some ways, but there was no telling unless he finally meet with me face to face.
I still find it unfair that he gets to see me while I haven't. But I could trust him with my life, that was for sure.
Whistling as I took the time to turn around at the sound of footsteps coming behind, I wasn't surprised to find myself face to face with at least three men coming out from the black sedan parked across the street.
The drones were still visibly flying in the night sky, and people weren't that many. But they were enough to call as witnesses for whatever may happen next.
None of them dared to move close, knowing there would be consequences if they did anything to me out in the open.
It was so easy to read how they move.
The mafia may have men working for them everywhere, but if it could be helped, they wouldn't want to get the police or any authorities involved.
Rare as it may be, there were still those who actually believed in justice and lived it.
Yes, I believe humanity could still stand a chance.
Although, in all honesty, I'm not one hundred percent counting on that to happen.
Purposely walking along the dark side of the road, I sensed more men following me. I was actually itching for some action.
It was a struggle to keep the restrain from suddenly jumping at them.
Like them, I wouldn't want to be a subject of speculation in the eyes of the police or any agency associated with fighting crimes.
I'm on their side.
But, well, I'm also a villain they wouldn't be able to catch unless I surrendered.
Listening to the footsteps as the road curved into a less populated area, I hid the keys in my pants pockets.
Inhaling the crisp night air, I breathed out a sigh. The smirk on my face was inevitable.
"Hey," I called, surprising my pursuers. It came with a click of my tongue.
Slowly turning to face them, I lost count of how many were present. But it doesn't matter. Their number wasn't an issue.
Neither was the flickering street light at the far corner.
A drone hovered above, leaving in a matter of seconds.
"You don't see this being unfair? I'm alone, and there's what? Quite a number of you. And I'm a woman. But say, I make a deal with you. Sounds nice, eh?"
The gathered men looked at each other. One spat out on the ground, mocking my request.
I scoffed.
"If I don't escape your grasp, I will be kidnapped tonight, won't I? I probably won't see tomorrow. But here's the deal."
I paused, pocketing my hands as I considered the next words that came out of my mouth.
"If I win, I mean escaping your grasp, unscathed. You should tell your boss to leave the old man alone. If not, I'll make sure trouble comes after you. You see," I cleared my throat.
"Not to brag or anything, but I have a few friends in the higher-ups," I gestured with my hand, imitating a wave going up in zigzags.
I don't think that made sense but whatever.
"You know what I mean? So, if I were you, I would reconsider this proposal. I don't really like having enemies," dropping my voice to whisper, the men seemed to be listening attentively. "It doesn't end so well."
"Hey lady, why don't you admit that you're scared and come with us? We could avoid hurting each other that way," one of the closest goons expressed.
I let out a frustrated sigh.
"Alright," I pulled my hair up, securing it with a ponytail so it didn't get in the way. "Consider yourselves warned."
Faster than they could blink, I had the man who just spoke choking, grasping his throat, and had him falling to the ground, unconscious in a matter of seconds.
The attack started simultaneously. I was in the middle of the mayhem, but truth be told. I was immensely enjoying the free exercise.
I might even have a heavy dinner later.
With a sigh, I dismissed the idea.
I couldn't risk having a full stomach and sleeping later than usual. Rory would assume I stayed behind on purpose and run off to a date.
He has a wild imagination, and my love life was his ultimate concern for some reason.
The earpiece I always wore suddenly crackled to life, surprising me.
Our last conversation was a few minutes before Rory left for the emergency he suddenly had. Thanks to my genius workmate, I didn't have to tell a lie to my other co-worker.
"Aw," I cooed, pretending to enjoy the chaos around me. "You called me."
I heard Wizardo scoff from the other end.
"Finish it in ten. We need to talk about the next assignment."
I clicked my tongue.
"I thought you'd make another bet. I'd like to see you so badly right now."
Wizardo chuckled.
"What? You have a crush on me or something?"
I heard one of the goons let out a heavy grunt before the thud. Ducking my head, I avoided getting hit and pulled a counterattack while blocking another hand that was supposed to smack me in the head.
"What if I do? Would that make you come out of your hiding place?"
There was silence.
"That was a joke."
"Let's talk later."
"Hey!"
I was answered by silence.
"Jerk," I mumbled, focusing on the chaos before me. The number didn't go down, though. More only came as more fell on the ground, coming from all directions.
I was thinking of ending them just for a scare, but that was no longer part of my job. Hence, I had no choice but to stick to getting them to lose consciousness.
It was getting a little tedious when a movement from my left startled me.
Someone else joined the fray, dressed in black and with his face covered. Without saying anything, the individual started attacking the goons.
I scoffed, curious at the stranger who decided to help a nameless nobody like me.