Here's chapter 1. I hope you like it.
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1998
"Dad?"
Edward Vollan turned to look up at his nineteen-year-old daughter.
"Hmm?"
"Why d'you keep doing that? Every time I bring up something you don't like, you ignore me."
The man closed his eyes, sighing deeply.
"Sofia, I've told you. It's dangerous out there."
"It's L.A.," Sofia exclaimed. "This is crime central!"
"The company transferred me here; we need to stay until we hear differently."
"Then can't I at least go out into civilized culture? If you keep me locked up, I'll turn into one of those little old ladies who never move except to pee."
Rising from his desk to pace briefly, Edward looked at his child.
"I don't like getting into this all the time. There are people in the world who want to take advantage of others. Why do you think I homeschooled you?" His expression softened, and he stepped forward to hold her cheek in his hand. "I know it's been tough, not being able to make a lot of friends. But I'm trying to protect you."
Sofia sighed in reluctant understanding, nodding after a moment.
"Now, you'd better go to bed if you want to be well-rested for your test tomorrow."
"Dad," the girl whined with a roll of her eyes, "I always ace your tests. Why bother with them?"
"So you always feel challenged. Scram."
Edward smiled jokingly as the teen left his office, shutting the door behind her. He waited until he'd heard her ascending the staircase before turning and moving the bookshelf over, revealing a vault-like door. After he punched in the code, the entrance revealed itself.
His concealed lab was just as he'd left it; the computers were up and running, and everything was in good shape. The man glanced at the mansion's security camera monitor for a moment, making sure Sofia was in bed before turning to his keyboard. With a few clicks, his online accounts immediately started filling. He smiled, but turned to look at the monitor once more. As he watched his daughter drift off, he felt a bit guilty.
I've always told her about the dangers of criminals, and here I am…
He shook the feeling away while typing in a few more codes.
Oh, well. I'm doing this for her anyways.
As Edward continued his work, he had no idea that he was being monitored.
OOOOOOOOOOO
About half an hour away, Anthony sat in his house with the lights off. His own computer screen was lit up in his office, getting full surveillance of Mr. Vollan's activities. Smiling slightly, the man burned with confidence at his upcoming assignment. His anonymous client had decided that Vollan had taken enough money, and that he should be dealt with; naturally, with the promised price, Anthony was all too happy to take the job.
Having all he needed, he downloaded the data onto his memory chip before closing the browser down. He clicked on one of the other icons, bringing up the family's personal information. When he started on the assignment several months earlier, he was surprised at the extent of Edward's embezzlement crimes. A few times, his hand had itched to feel the handle of his sword, but he was able to restrain himself; the time would come, and he greatly looked forward to ending the man's life.
But when he'd first discovered Sofia's profile, he felt differently. Her mother Ilsa had died in childbirth, and her father hadn't ever sent her to school; she seemed desperate for any human contact. The list of bake sales and animal shelter fundraisers she'd worked at was almost too long for Anthony to read. It had taken him aback when he first found it, and as he scrolled through the girl's profile now, he couldn't help but stare at her. According to her email account, she was ushering at a local school's theatre on Friday night. Her father would be alone, providing the perfect opportunity to take him out without having to harm his daughter.
The world needs more people like you, Miss Vollan.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"You've gotta be kidding me!"
"You heard me, young lady. If your grades aren't satisfactory, you lose privileges."
"But I promised them I'd usher. I'm supposed to be there now!"
"You know the rules."
Burning with anger, Sofia let out a frustrated growl before storming out of the office.
"God! You're ruining my life!"
Edward shook his head before turning back to his desk. Sure, she'd gotten one C on a single quiz, but he always took any opportunity to keep her in the house. After fumbling with some test material for a few more minutes, the man sat down and opened the drawer, pulling out his pack of cigarettes. Picking one out, he reached into his pocket for his lighter…
Suddenly, it felt as if a piece of thread had been drawn across his throat. Pain overflowed him, but as he opened his mouth to scream, nothing came out but a slight bubbly noise. He barely noticed the blood soaking the front of his shirt before the vision left his eyes completely. Edward slumped down into his chair, dying before his cigarette hit the floor.
OOOOOOOOOOO
Anthony looked vainly at the body as he wiped the blood from his thin sword. Then, he slid the bookcase over and entered the secret room, closing the entrance behind him. After gathering all of the necessary files and drives, he put them into his pocket. However, just before reaching the case, he heard a blood-curdling scream.
The man glanced at the camera monitor and saw that Sofia was in the office, staring at her father's corpse. His heart started to pound.
She's not supposed to be here!
As Sofia ran out, the assassin knew just where she was headed: there was another monitor in the hallway, and one would be able to look at past footage on the screen within a few seconds. Without making a sound, he left the room and quietly pursued. When he turned the corner, Sofia's back was turned towards him as she pressed a few buttons next to the screen. Panicked, Anthony reached into the chest pocket of his suit, pulling out a handkerchief.
When a cloth suddenly covered her nose, the girl started to struggle frantically. However, a strong arm around both of hers, restricting her movements. Before too long, she was out. The assassin gently lowered her to the floor and stepped towards the monitor. Within a few seconds, the tape had popped out, allowing him to place it into his pocket. Just as he was about to make his way out of the mansion, he reluctantly turned back to Sofia.
If I leave her, they'll think she did it.
Anthony looked at her for a few more moments before picking her up and climbing through the awaiting window.
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Let me know what you think.
