If Only..(Part 1 And Part 2 Included)(Under Edit)

Chapter 10 - Calm before the Storm

Jacob read through her frustration, "What's going on?"

"Rex." She replied not deviating her eyes off the window.

Jacob frowned, "What's wrong with him?"

"I don't know",restlessly clicking her tongue, "he isn't receiving my calls, neither is he replying to my messages."

Jacob chuckled, "Give this boy, time to breath, dear."

"It's been a week."

"And?"

Madeline looked at him, in disbelief, "Jake, I just killed the under boss, of one of the most feared gang and then Rex receives a call, a bad news along with. We are out of contact. This can't be a mere coincidence."

The smile in his face faded, "What's in your mind?"

Madeline shook her head and heaved out a choked sigh, "I don't know...I..I don't even know, whether it was right in my part, to get him into this mess. I don't know, how deep, he is in this sh*t. That day, he suddenly receives a call, and runs off. I don't know were he is after that day. I don't know any fucking thing."

"Does he know about you?"

Madeline's face turned her pale, "The hell do I know."

Jacob gulped in and composed himself, "We are almost there, Maddie. Collect yourself. Mr. Alvarez won't really entertain the worried face."

Madeline closed her eyes and let out a deep breath. "You can count on me. Don't worry." She assured.

The car pulled over near the crime branch after an hour drive.

"I heard you summoned me?"

Mr. Alvarez who sitting on his huge chair, shuffling through the papers, looked up at the source of the voice to find Madeline standing at the door. Jacob by her side.

"It's a pleasure, come in." Mr. Alvarez acknowlegded with a solemn smile and gestured her to take a seat.

Madeline complied.

Mr. Alvarez cleared his throat and leaned forward, "I admire the precision with which you work. I never had a doubt on your capabilities. But....."

Madeline narrowed her eyes,

"Well, " he continued, "I don't know, how you would take it, but we can't loose some one like you from our team. That's where I want to have a talk with you, face to face."

"I did not get you, Sir."

He nodded to himself, "Let me explain." Stretching his palm forward in a matter-of-fact manner, he continued,  "This was your first hit. I believe you are aware, you are not done, just yet. You have several other hits to handle. Am I right?"

"Right, sir." The uncertainty in her voice was clear.

"Madeline." Clearing his throat, "I don't want anymore Z engraved bullets in this mission."

"Pardon me, sir. What?"

"You heard me."

"I can't. Maybe this is the only way, to reach the final target. I can't stop using those bullets, sir."

"I respect your sentiments. But, it makes it easier for them to trace you. And that puts the whole team on stake."

"If I say, I want them to know, it's me? If I say, I hate to fight with a shield?" She argued pulling him in an awe.

"That is. Selfish."

"You know I won't let them reach the team. But, If that still bothers you, I'd rather work alone, Sir"

Mr. Alvarez keeps staring at her, as she sternly kept waiting for a reply.

Mr. Alvarez started in a calm voice, "That is mine to choose." There was an annoyance in his voice,  "What I say, is the ,final word around here, Ms Parc. Unfortunately, this was an order. And, under my works, you are ought to go by my rules."

She clenched her jaw in an attempt to contain her frustration as she kept glaring at Mr. Alvarez silently.

"I hope I am loud and clear, Ms Parc." He continued, "If not, I won't give a second thought in seizing your weapons...Now that's your call."

Madeline snapped at Jacob to meet with a concerned look in his face.

Madeline thought for a while and looked back at the boss, "We will destroy the engraved bullets, if that suits you. But, I still want one last. And, that will be for my final hit. If you are fine with that. I'll continue with the team."

Mr. Alvarez studied through her expressions and realised, she was not someone who can trapped in rules. At the same time, there was no one as determined and focused as she was. He was left with no other choice.

"Deal..!"

MADELINE'S POV

Learning to fight, was my need. But, holding a gun, was my choice.This is the real me. Not just a girl shattered by fate. But a sniper, driven by revenge. I kill. Not, because I love to, but to tame my rage. The screams doesn't scare me anymore. The scattered blood doesn't scare me anymore. Maybe, that tags me a merciless beast. I don't care . I want to see those people suffer, who mocked at my sufferings. And, the day, my bullet hits them that will be the last day, I hold my gun. Till then, I'll keep fighting till the last sign of such crimes vapours out of the city or the last day of my life. Well, whichever happens earlier.

I, Madeline Parc, Daughter of a Martyred Marshall. A school drop out. A forced runaway. Enslaved, and whose innocence was ripped away from her. But, the days, are long gone, when tears accompanied these words. I gave birth to a new me, a fearless shadow, holding a gun. Lizzie. that's me. An sniper, a killer, sometimes a seductress. I am trained to lie without a blink. I am trained to keep fighting as I burn down with pain. And, never to miss, what defines my existence. All the bullets that runs at the command, is not just a hit, It is a supplement to my rage, my revenge, and yeah, that's why I, exist.