II. Plans and Schemes

Ivory felt light hit her face, and when she opened her eyes, she recognized Blue's large chamber. Ivory ignored the grogginess she felt and forced herself to awaken. Ivory turned to see that Blue was still asleep next to her. She tip-toed out of his Queen-sized bed and quietly left his room.

As Ivory walked down the staircase to the elevator, she smiled at her new pink and brown bear-designed pajamas. Hawks and Lily forced her to buy them, so she did. Ivory was happy that Hawks and Lily were her friends and could count on them, even if it meant she lost Viper. Sometimes, people leave so that better friends can enter.

Ivory made her way to her chamber and checked her phone. It was 8 a.m.

The youthful gang member started her daily routine, and when she finished, she decided to get some breakfast. Ivory made her way to the kitchen, where she bumped into Harley.

"Ivory, I've been meaning to speak to you," Harley said.

"Oh, do you need me to do something for you?"

"No, I wanted to tell you as a newer member that every year, we get bonus checks," Harley spoke. "Blue should have the checks in our mailboxes by tomorrow."

Ivory nodded, noting that tomorrow was Sunday.

"How do bonuses work?"

"Bonuses are an incentive, which is something that motivates or encourages an employee to do something. The gesture is for a special purpose."

"What type of special purpose?"

"If you work with a company for a certain period, or if the boss feels like you've been a hard worker, you are gifted a sum of money, no matter your hourly pay. People can make thousands of dollars for a special purpose."

"That sounds so exciting!" Ivory cheered.

Harley smiled a little, "Well, they're only exciting if Blue feels you deserve one."

"Oh, right," Ivory frowned.

Suddenly, a shriek came from the hallway. Ivory jumped as Harley made a confused face and investigated the corridor.

"Lily, why are you screaming? It's too early. People are still sleeping!" Harley said.

"Sorry, I didn't think anyone would be down here. I'm so excited!" Lily grabbed her sister's hands. "I got my first vacation!"

"Wait, what? Where?" Harley laughed. "That's awesome, little sis. I always told you Blue would come to his senses."

"It certainly helps when you're one of his favorites," Lily replied. Lily took the paper out of the envelope and dragged Ivory over to show her sister and good friend her vacation.

"Greece?" Ivory gasped. "I wish I could go there! It's such a beautiful country."

"I'll say," Harley stared at the flyer. "I've been there; it truly is pretty."

"The only thing is I have to bring someone with me."

"Why would you travel out of the country by yourself?" Harley asked. "You're just asking to get yourself into trouble. Also, no member must leave the base alone. Don't forget the rules, or Blue will take privileges from you," Harley turned to Ivory and looked her up and down, "You should go, Ivory, enjoy yourself."

Lily grinned at Ivory. "What do you say, pal?"

"Harley, don't you want to accompany your sister?"

"I've already been to Greece. Besides, I think it's great for you to leave New York for once in your life. There's a world outside this state," Harley leered at Ivory.

Ivory narrowed her eyes a bit and wondered why Harley stared at her in such an unusual way. Ivory remembered what Blue said last night and disregarded Harley's facial expression. Ivory didn't think it was that personal.

"Sure, I'll go with your sister," Ivory said as Lily showed Ivory the brochure.

"We have two weeks, so you better enjoy yourself, Ivory."

"I will trust me. I already feel tired being in this room."

Lily laughed as Harley ate green grapes.

Ivory smiled at Lily, who couldn't stop talking about Greece, and turned to Harley, who was messaging someone on her cell phone. Ivory felt thrilled traveling to a different country. Ivory felt something would happen after her return, but she didn't shrug off her gut feeling like she would do in the past. Ivory decided to wait and see what she would encounter after the two-week break.

Ivory ate her breakfast as she and Lily chatted about what they would do in Greece. The young women missed the smirk Harley sent their way, and just like that, Harley exited the kitchen. Lily and Ivory's chatter kept the two distracted enough, and they were oblivious to Harley's hallway phone call. When Harley got off the phone, the spy walked down the hall.

Then, Hawks and Lucky ran past Harley, talking about playing basketball on the court outside. Once the two men were outside the base, Lucky mentioned that members would be getting their bonus checks.

"Yeah, the men were ecstatic about that," Hawks said, lacing up his red converse.

"What do you suppose we do with our checks?"

Hawks thought for a moment. "We've been talking about getting a new gaming system; would you still consider?"

"Yes, but we will have some money left over," Lucky added.

"Save it until you need something," Hawks shrugged.

"Have you noticed Blue has been nicer to Ivory since he killed Viper?" Lucky asked, throwing the basketball to Hawks.

"The men mentioned that to me," Hawks dribbled the ball, "I think it's his way of showing that Viper isn't a threat anymore."

"I guess you're right," Lucky said, and the two brothers threw the ball into the hoop.

While the brothers played basketball outside, Red and Harley watched them from the third-floor window. The spy and second-in-command stood in a hallway with white floors.

"Are you positive that's what Blue said?" Red asked in disbelief.

Harley nodded. "What? You don't think she and Blue are a good match?"

"No, that's not it," Red crossed his arms, "but what does Hawks have to do with it?" Red thought for a moment. "Do you think Hawks likes her?"

"I've been dying to tell someone this," Harley replied. Red squinted and leaned closer to Harley. "Lily's maid Samantha once walked by Hawks' room, and Samantha told me the two were too close if you catch my drift."

Red scoffed. "I figured Hawks would do something that low. I've always hated that kid."

"Believe me, I think the same," Harley watched the brothers gossip and play ball. "Lucky knows something, for sure. The con here is that he will keep secrets for his brother."

"Lucky will get himself killed for defending his brother. Those two know the rules," Red changed the topic, "Is it true Lily got a vacation?" Harley nodded. "Are you going with her?"

"No, but her sweet friend will be," Harley winked.

Red laughed. "You're so vindictive, Harley."

"If Ivory's gone, you and I can investigate," Harley replied, "Besides, I've traveled to Greece. I'll be okay."

"Have you told Blue?"

"Not yet; that's why you're the second boss," Harley lightly slapped Red's arm. "I figured Blue will deal with the bad news a lot better if you break it to him."

"I see your point," Red replied. "If what you're telling me is true, then we'll lose some more employees."

"We will only lose the ungrateful ones. Remember, people think rules apply, just not to them. Hawks will have what is coming to him."

"We have to check the security cameras," Red added. "Maybe that will help us with this search."

Harley chuckled. "There aren't any cameras in the private rooms. We won't find any footage."

"I know, but maybe we can catch evidence with the two outside Hawks' bedroom."

Harley took out her cellphone, unlocked it, and scrolled through her gallery. She came across a photo and showed it to Red. Red's eyes widened as he stared quietly at the picture. Red handed Harley back her phone.

"Samantha took the picture," Harley sighed. "She made sure she turned off her phone's volume before taking it. She walked by to punch out for the day, and she felt that something would happen. Before anything could take off, that was when everyone here heard me beat the shit out of my former maid."

"I see," Red replied.

Red was speechless; he didn't know what to say.

"Get this," Harley began, and then she told Red another story, one that Hawks confessed to Harley himself.

"I don't believe she did that to herself," Red shook his head. "It was her or the wealthy man's obnoxious wife."

"I think she did," Harley shrugged. "I don't think you should mention that part to Blue, but I will send you this photo. When Lily and Ivory leave for their cute, little trip, we will attack."

Red nodded, and the two walked down the staircase. The two talked about the methods of punishment that would take place over the betrayal of a worker and meddling with a love interest. Harley and Red knew that they might lose another employee or two, and it was because Hawks thought he could sneak around.

The two believed that Hawks was big-headed and that he felt he could mess around with a potential romantic partner that stole the eyes of another man. Whatever the reason was to the older members held no importance --- Harley and Red both knew that Hawks had an order that he refused to follow.

Consequences will soon commence.