Not A Small-Town Girl

A bloodthirsty smile crept across Danielle’s face as she contemplated her next move.

Howard and Vivian, sensing the danger of the moment, knew better than to get in her way. They urged, "Danielle, be careful. Stay safe."

The mask-wearers stood motionless like statues, their ironclad bodies unwavering, slowly advancing toward her.

Bullets and knives had done nothing to faze them; even the acupuncture and poisons only immobilized them for mere seconds.

With lightning speed, Danielle closed the distance, landing a punch straight to the head of one of the mask-wearers. To her shock, the blow had no effect. The helmeted head didn’t even budge.

Her heart skipped a beat. ’The head wasn’t the weak spot?’

Gracefully as ever, Danielle danced through the group of mask-wearers, trying to find a chink in their armor.

She pulled out her gun and fired—bang, bang, bang—shooting at the head, the neck. No effect.

Her mind raced as she assessed the situation. These mask-wearers weren’t even human. They seemed to be some hybrid, neither alive nor dead, just maintaining the appearance of life. But surely, there had to be a weakness somewhere.

*****

Meanwhile, a group of assassins gathered in Blackpool Village.

"Boss, David’s only brought a handful of bodyguards. We haven’t seen him yet. When do we strike?"

One of the men, perched with binoculars, scanned the village.

"Patience. Once we lock onto him, we’ll act. Don’t underestimate those bodyguards. They’re not ordinary. Whoever has tried to take David’s head has met their end."

The leader’s eyes gleamed with malice. This was their final job. If they succeeded, they’d never have to worry about money again.

"Once we get David’s head, we’ll rise in stature. Our value will skyrocket."

"Exactly. The boss is brilliant. He’s taken on multiple contracts to take out David. We kill two birds with one stone."

"Didn’t expect David’s life to be so valuable. Guess I’ve been getting itchy hands lately."noveldrama

"David is the world’s richest man. He’s taken a lot of people’s cake, so it’s not surprising that many want him dead. All we need to know is that his death will secure our livelihood."

The men spoke eagerly, almost as if killing David were a casual task.

"We’ll wait for dark. If David hasn’t shown up by then, we’ll scout the terrain. We need to be meticulous." The boss wiped his gun, his voice like gravel.

"Got it, boss."

*****

Back with David, things were moving quickly. They arrived at a deep pit—the same one Danielle and the others had passed through.

"This pit looks nasty," one of the bodyguards muttered. "It’s full of rocks. Anyone who falls in is done for."

"No, wait. Someone’s been here. These glass pieces—shot out by bullets," another one observed. "David, do you think Mrs. Charrington and the others were here?"

Aran analyzed the surroundings, but David’s eyes were drawn to a rope hanging by a large rock. He smiled grimly.

"Danielle’s ahead. Clever girl."

Aran didn’t hear David’s response, continuing to speak to himself, "Should we check for traps around here?"

"No need to," David replied. "There are no traps."

The bodyguards exchanged knowing glances as they realized what the rope meant.