"Come in."
The muffled voice of grandpa Lee came behind the closed door. Nova pushed the doors open and allowed herself into the dark room. It was still early in the morning, being on the farthest corner of the house, the room got no sunlight making it hard to see.
After a few seconds of adjusting her vision to the dark, she caught the figure of the elder. He was sitting crossed legged on a prayer mat with his back to the door humming to himself. Without making unnecessary sounds, she walked up to him and sat some feet behind him on the cold wooden floor and crossed her legs as well.
"Grandpa.. " Nova called.
"Don't grandpa me!" his voice boomed, echoing within the empty room making her winched at the sound.
He is angry. Nova mused.
"Where were you last night?"
Straight to the point. As always.
"And don't even think about lying to me, you weren't on the turf." Before she could think of replying, he fired questions after question all which she had no chance of replying.
Nova hung her head low and listened as he lectured her on and on about a lots of things that clearly had nothing to do with her being outside last night. But she had enough experience to not dare interrupt him, the lecture that was meant to be 30 minutes long would end up taking an hour and half. So she kept her mouth shut momentarily nodding or shaking her head to answer when necessary. Not forgetting to look all the fact crestfallen over her mistakes.
By the time he was done, she had started losing feelings in her legs.
"Now, to the reason I called you here.. "
Nova perked up and nodded frantically.
"We had an important client last night."
______
The sun was already high up in the sky when the heavy mahogany doors opened for the second time revealing a grinning Nova. She was sporting a huge grin that threatened to split her face into two. She really couldn't believe her ears.
Making sure the door was closed securely, she jumped up and did a happy dance. Fortunately, the hallway was deserted and no one was there to witness her childishness.
She had managed to suppress her emotions during their conversation with elder Lee least he change his mind and assign someone else. A capable adult as he puts it.
Thus she act like the adult she is suppose to be.
Now that she is out of his sight, she can let loose. She did a victory dance until she knocked into soft body that just ran the corner.
Looking up the faded brown apron that was obstructing her path, the person's face was blocked by dirty bed linings and a huge bosom. She tipped to the side revealing an amused nanny Bee.
"You wouldn't believe this news Mrs Bee!" Nova jumped up waving a credit card at the middle aged woman's face. She had almost forgotten the last time they had used something like it.
"Of course Letty, I'm sure you wouldn't be rolling on the carpet like a toddler for nothing. Come gist me girl, what is the good news?" She turned back around ignoring the card Nova shoved into her face and headed to the laundry room.
"I was on my way to find you." Nova tucked the card in her pocket to help with some of the bedsheet lining from her hands.
"So, what's the good news? Tell me you've finally snatched yourself a gentlemanly heart please."
"What? Eww, no! More like out to break a gentlemanly heart." Nova finished in a whisper with a wicked grin.
I swear she wouldn't stop trying to get me married off. What is she, my mother?
Well that was more or less the truth. Nanny Bee is the only mother figure she ever had.
"Speak up girl, I can't hear you."
"It's much bigger than that. It's my road to freedom! Our Freedom! We'll finally be able to leave this pathetic gang life for good. And just when that demon came back. Sucks to be him." She let out an evil chuckle imagining Oga's face when he finds out.
Too bad she wouldn't be there to witness.
"Demon? Girl, you are making no sense."
"Argh, forget about that. I just received a gig from old Lee. The guy is willing to pay 20 million dollars. Freaking Millions Nanny Bee! Boy we're rich." Nova sighed dreamily not knowing where she was going as she walked straight into nanny Bee's back when she stopped walking. They had arrived at the laundry room, the older woman took the linings from her hands with a worried expression etched onto her face.
Nova had always been a cheerful kid when she was a child. Free and wild, so when she was old enough to know about her responsibilities, she had made her intentions very clear. It was a very bold and dangerous game, but they gang members were all happy with the news and loved her for her intentions even if it never came to light. Everyone was tired of the constant deaths and attacks on their lives.
"I know what you are thinking, I know what you're thinking, I swear I'm gonna ace it like my life depended on it. It literally does, but don't worry, it's nothing dangerous." She waved the credit card in the air again as if it can make the woman's trouble go away.
"I'm afraid I can't divulge details about the mission yet. But we'll talk on the phone. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a make over to do and a plane to catch before it gets dark." Nova squeezed the woman in a bear hug and placed a quick kiss on her forehead before leaving.
"I promise I'll call you when I things have settled. Bye bye!" She yelled as she ran back to her room. Since she's making a disguise, she isn't taking much of her personal things. She'll use the credit card in her hand to buy whatever she needs.
Now, it's time to visit Anna. The gang's make over artist. The woman is good at what she does and when she's done, not even Maxwell can recognize her. Not even by scent. It was beyond Nova why she decided to stick around after everything. Talk about loyalty.
And while she's at it, Nova promised to visit the town's temple. She owed the deities a huge apology for all the curs... faults she found with them. She had no idea they had such a fat stock in store for her.
Maybe I'll visit the temple first.
Finally, she's been given a chance to fulfill her dreams. Nova had always wanted to split up the gang and set them free. All that remains of them were a bunch of kids and the elderly. Over the years, all the adults had died, either on missions or simply assassinated one after the other.
But that requires money. Huge amount of money to free everyone and send them away with new identities The Underground couldn't trace.
She had dreamt of this moment all her life, which is about to become true. Thus, she threw out all precaution against the suspicious host.
Grabbing a few items, Nova went off for a brief meeting with the gods.
_________