Pyxis
The sun was still spreading its first morning rays across the New York sky when Hera caught Ash Lynx a few streets away from Dino Golzine's mansion. The blond didn't recognize the new car at first. He tried to peek in, but the tinted car windows made it impossible. As Delilah opened the backdoor through the frontal controls, he let out a loud whistle.
- Didn't even recognize you, Madam. Two visits in the span of one week? To what do I owe the honor?
- Nothing special. – she said, tapping two times on the seat near her. – Come inside, let's chat for a while.
- As long as you don't kill me. – he answered, raising his hands, jokingly surrendering.
- I would never do that to my precious lynx.
- Good morning, Delilah.
- Hello. – greeted the blonde woman, not taking her eyes off the road.
Ash took a look around the car. It appeared to have been modified to resemble a limousine. Hera pressed a button across her seat with her long nails, and a shelf with warm coffee popped up from the ground.
- I see you're as influent as ever, Madam. How did you know I came to pay the old man a visit?
- You know I can't answer that. But I am truly intrigued as to why would you do something like this.
- Yesterday I found two of my guys chasing after a man who ended up dying in my arms. They claimed Dino told them to kill him, so it seems that I have a few rats amongst my men.
- I see…. Then my visit might come in handier than I thought. – she said, whilst removing her sunglasses. - I've decided to come by personally, once again, to ask you when was the last time you've checked to see if all of your men's intentions were aligned with your own regarding Dino Golzine, but I assume you've gotten your answer by now.
- It seems so, yes.
Hera looked over to Ash with an almost maternal love lingering on her gaze. She had rescued countless children from Dino's hands but it seemed that, even to those who were able to get away on their own, the ghost of his presence kept tormenting them. Ash now ruled over a considerably large territory in New York and, most likely innocently, believed Dino would maintain his word when he swore to not kill anyone on his territory. His cold jaded eyes hid a torment that was hard for the unexperienced to notice, but she knew very well what his feelings were at that time.
- Ash, my dear, will you let me give you a piece of advice?
- Sure.
- Always ask for insurance. Don't take anyone's word for granted, not even mine.
- It seems like I should, yes.
- But I take it as that you'll have it under control in no time, dear. Now, on a happier note, I know you haven't seen Pyxis in a while. Would you like to come with us? We're about to pick her up from her most recent task. – Hera asked
- Sure. She must think I'm a terrible friend. – he laughed, acknowledging he hadn't been keeping in touch with his friend for over a year now. – Is she still going around those dangerous men?
Some of Hera's girls often sold sexual services in exchange for money, yet she never forced anyone to do so nor implemented routines and schedules. The only thing she managed were the health check-ups, the security, the location and the prices. Delilah, for example, was one of the girls who never did it nor would ever do. Her tiny Pyxis on the other hand, was a bit more mischievous.
- She is. By choice.
- She never changes. – he said, smiling, ever so gently. – What is that?
- Why you shouldn't underestimate Pyxis around the so-called dangerous men.
(-)
As soon as a small screen turned on, Pyxis identity sheet was displayed with almost all of her personal information. Her alias, her real name, her age, where did she come from, her current net-worth and her criminal record, all accompanied by a photo.
- This doesn't look at all like a mugshot. – Ash remarked with a smile. Pyxis' wide and contagious smile was on full display as she held the black plate. Even her almond-shaped brown eyes appeared thinner from it. The slight head tilt made her short black locks drop in waves to one side of her face. – Also didn't know she actually went to jail.
- She went to juvie at 15 for distributing kiddie porn, while her "director" was set free. It was an older boy who was 19 years old at that time. My baby was starstruck, like all young girls are…. But that's all in the past.
- I must say, it's unusual for you, madam, to be so talkative.
- My dear, you out of everyone should know that, in this world, sometimes we do need to keep our friends close. Plus, you and Pyxis are almost the same age, so it's a good thing for both of you.
- That's somewhat suspicious, but I'll accept the advice. – he affirmed, crossing his arms over his chest. As he did, he seemed to take notice to where they were. – Why did we come all the way to the college campus?
- Madam, may I interrupt? There's an important question that's been lingering on my mind. – asked Delilah, parking the car next to the university's entrance.
- Yes, honey?
- Are you ready for the storm incoming?
Hera couldn't hold in her laugh. She knew her Pyxis would raise havoc back at the hideout as soon as they'd drop off Ash at his apartment complex, but she was willing to take on her wrath.
- Always. That's why I was aliased after Zeus' wife herself.
Delilah reached for the glove compartment and removed two binoculars, handing them over to the backseat. Ash reached out and grabbed both, giving one of them to Hera.
- No, dear, return those to Delilah. I already know what will happen.
(-)
Delilah reluctantly took them back, placing them over her eyes.
- Shit, these rich kids sure do live big. – commented Ash, studying the premises.
- Pyxis should be exiting anytime soon through the middle gate. – informed Hera.
- I see her. – commented Delilah. – Wait, is that Jensen Miller with her?
- Isn't that the sick bastard who kept getting away with rape and sodomy charges against his colleagues? It is. You're onto some big fish, I see. – Ash said, jolting out of his seat.
Much to Delilah's disapproval, they saw Pyxis get on the tip of her toes to reach over to him and plant a heavy kiss on his lips. As she did so, Jensen sneaked his hand behind her and grabbed her ass underneath her black skirt.
- Disgusting. – Ash commented, momentarily putting down the binoculars. – Should I go over there?
- No. That's her method. She'll fall to be his victim and take advantage of that spot. Rich parents never want for their rapist kids to face any charges, so they'll pay off whoever they have to pay. Her people-reading skills are one of our strongest features as a group. But, in the meantime, Pyxis will grow wealthier and mentally scar the boy for the rest of his life.
- How so?
- She's experienced in both krav maga and MMA. It's all good in self-defense. – Hera shrugged.
- Huh, I guess I'm no match then.
As to end the scene as quickly as possible, Delilah honked twice, catching the brunette's attention. With one last kiss goodbye, she ran over to the backdoor.
- Hi, Dad! Thanks for picking me up. How was your… - her speech was briefly interrupted as soon as she saw the unexpected visitor sitting in the back. -…day?
- Was great, kid. How about yours? – he answered, jokingly.
- As if. I'm older than you. – she retorted, furrowing her eyebrows as she entered the car.
Her eyes quickly scooped the space and found the seat that was the furthest away possible from Ash, to which she jumped over, gracefully.
- Was just going over your file, Pyxis. – informed Hera. – Ash here was quite impressed!
- Haven't seen you in a while. – he smiled over to her, greeting her as she sat down.
- Huh, talking about me behind my back, are we? – answered Pyxis, shrugging her shoulders and looking away from them. The looks that Hera was giving both of them were highly suspicious. In order to avoid that topic, she swiftly shifted the attention to Delilah. – Ready to go, big sis? By the way, how do you like the new car I've got us?
- Don't call me that. – sighed Delilah. – And it's fine. I just wished you'd ask me before splurging your money in cars with no knowledge of the matter.
- I've got the money, so I do what I want with it. – she blurted, grabbing onto the front seats to look up close to Delilah. Hera coughed and she soon realized the position she was in, especially by wearing a skirt that day. She immediately sat back, placing her bag over her thighs. – And what Hera lets me do with it.