Line of Fire (Book #1) GirlXGirl

TEN

"Nothing should ever happen at six in the morning," Melissa groaned as we walked up to the front entrance of the tall building.

I had stayed up late with thought, analyzing what could possibly go wrong today. Not only were we breaking into this man's house, but we were doing so in broad daylight.

Chapman was already waiting at the door for us, coffee mug in hand. "Morning."

We all groaned in unison.

We followed him through the front lobby and to the spacious elevator we were all familiar with. Then we made our way up to the floor where his office was. Eventually we neared our destination and Chapman let us in through the door.

He stood near his desk as I assessed the four individual outfits that were laid out on his couch. One pair was obviously for me and Melissa, which consisted of two light pink polos and khaki pants. The shirts were embroidered with the name Day Maids, which I recognized as a local cleaning company. Derik and Willi's outfits weren't so clean cut. Derik lifted up his hanger which held a white T-shirt and overalls. I couldn't help but giggle.

"He has a maid and lawn service scheduled every week at seven," Chapman stated. "Derik and Willi will be the eyes at the front and Alexa and Melissa will be in charge of getting what we need inside. Are you prepared to do so?"

Derik stepped forward, holding out a small device to me. "Vic gave me this," he paused, "Plug it in and it'll automatically decrypt the security feature on the laptop. Once you're in plug in the external storage drive."

Derik must've gone to Victoria's last night. The first and last time I had seen Victoria had been when I was about to accompany Derik on my first bank heist. He had wanted me to meet her before then, but I hadn't seen her since.

"It's a very simple job," Chapman announced, "So please don't screw it up."

His eyes landed on me, which then made it feel like an attack. I tried not to let it bother me. Everything seemed simple when you watered down the plan. But as soon as you threw in the "if's" and "buts" then things got tricky.

"Go change and meet me in the parking lot," Chapman ordered.

We made it to the bathrooms and began stripping out of our day clothes. I tried my best to keep my eyes trained on the ground and not on Melissa. But when I slipped my shirt over my head I felt her gaze on me anyway.

Melissa joked, "Pink looks good on you."

I stared at her through the mirror while putting my hair into a tight pony tail. "Can't say the same," I joked back, "Makes you look kinda pasty."

Her mouth hung open as she laughed, "Sorry. Not all of us are blessed with a natural tan."

It didn't take us long to finish up and head out of the bathroom, meeting up with Derik and Willi at the elevator. I couldn't help but think Willi looked like a farmer with his overalls and untrimmed beard.

"What are you smiling at?" Willi asked me.

"You," I answered.

Melissa laughed, "I think we look great."

"Very working class," I responded.

Chapman was waiting for us in the parking lot like he had said. He handed out the usual earpieces and mics, and then a set of car keys to me and Derik. "I'll be listening from across the street," he informed, "Let me know if anything goes wrong."

We just agreed before we all climbed into our designated vehicles and followed Chapman out of the parking lot.

The car ride was quiet other than the light indie rock that played through the radio. I focused, trying to stay level headed before we made it to our destination. Melissa was also silent, probably due to her being deep in thought.