Sacrificing her little brother
May's brows slightly rose in confusion. Was she too tired or did she detect hostility coming from Kareena directed towards the same man she was ogling?
"Mm, well that sounds reasonable", Tom Walker agreed to Kareena's request.
"Um", Frankie started quietly. "Actually, it's al-"
"Frankie, is the best woman for the job. All she needs is to meet one of the security responsible for the job and she'll handle the rest. It shoud take about 30 minutes or there about?" Kareena had deliberately cut in.
She knew the President would not find it impressive but rather a threat should he find out the girl had already broke into the place, bugged it and hacked into the system to get the very job she was requesting for already done. Things were a little tight due to Claude's incident, she didn't want to give them another cause to worry with Frankie's abilities.
Frankie was about to frown when she felt a pat on her thigh. May seemed to understand the situation and silently signaled her to give in. The youngest of the group decided to follow her team leader's guidance and proceeded to nod. "That's right, sir. It's all not as easy, that's what I wanted to say, considering where this place is. But I'll do my best."
"Not a problem", Tom gestured for one of his men to get it done. "Anything else?"
"It's quite late, sir. After an eventful and stressful night, you should get all the rest you need. We'll sort ourselves out", Kareena replied.
Tom chuckled kindly, "You're very sensible. Don't hesitate to tell me anything else you need. Or you can convey your requests through my son. This case is of utmost importance. Please."
"I understand."
"Tom, may I see you for a moment before I leave?" Miss Quinn spoke before she turned to the team. "You girls sort out your schedules with Claude but don't keep him up too long."
"Yes, ma'am", they answered in unison.
"Alright ladies", Tom stood and the rest stood as well in respect. The leader of the nation followed by their boss left the room.
"How are we doing this boss?" Frankie turned to Kareena. "There's five of us."
"Flame, you'll do what you do best unless otherwise. The rest of us will work in pairs, Designer and Artisan, Hunter and I. We'll take 24 hour shifts, taking turns. The first two will have to start tonight."
"Then can we go first?" Cassie raised a hand.
"Don't you need to rest? You just got back", Frankie pointed out.
"That's the plan. We have a few hours till morning. I'll have plenty of rest once we swap", she explained.
Kareena looked at May who must have been tired as well but nodded, giving in. Kareena looked back at Cassie, "Sure."
A knock was heard and the six turned to the door that was being pushed open. Another security personnel in a suit showed himself in. "Um, I'm from cyber security."
"Flame?" Kareena reminded.
"On it", she answered, onto carry out an already done task. She excused herself from the room and followed the man out.
Kareena was about to leave but caught herself and her eyes landed on the man who had been quiet all along. She may not have any positive feelings towards him but he was still a client, one who had narrowly escaped death that night.
"Um", she started softly, his gray orbs easily met her golden brown ones. "I'm sorry about what happened tonight. Nobody deserves that."
The man's gaze further softened seeing her sincerity. He replied in the same tone, "Thank you."
The girl gave a curt nod and excused herself along with May. The latter peeled an amused expression on Kareena while the target feigned ignorance. They easily retraced their steps to the parking lot.
"You didn't bring your car", Kareena noticed.
"I knew I would be going home with you and oh my god Kareena!!! What was that just now??!!" She shrieked with amusement.
"You might as well sell your place since you're almost always at mine", she replied, unlocking the doors and sliding into the driver's side.
"It's boring to live alone, but I love the place", she answered and settled into the passenger side. She smirked at Kareena's attempt to dodge the question. "Stop ignoring meee.... Who's Claude to you? Have you met him before?"
"Don't be ridiculous. I only just met him", she rebutted.
"Then explain your hot and cold attitude towards him, I'm your best friend, I know you like the back of my hand so don't even think about denying this."
"Asher is home."
"Don't change the topic!"
"He got arrested for drugs."
May suddenly hit imaginary breaks at the shocking news. "WHAT?!"
Judging from May's reaction, the boy would not escape her rage unscathed. But what could Kareena do, if getting May off her back meant sacrificing her little brother, so be it!