NOTE: Thank you so very very very very very ... very much Blues Goddess for
reviewing my story. You have no idea how happy you've made me. If you want,
please review my new chapter as well.
You're totally right, Bullseye is a SUPER hard character to write. That's
why it takes me so long to update; I'm not sure if I wrote him well or not.
Thank you Ravenclaw2 and Villainbabe for your reviews as well, but I knew you wouldn't abandon me.
PART 10: "Full time job"
Later that day, at about 5 PM in the afternoon, Bullseye received a message from Lara on his cell phone and went to her apartment to see her, as she requested. This time he sneaked in the building trying to avoid the guards, knowing that killing them would only annoy her and that would possibly prevent their relationship from advancing any further in the near future.
However, when he found himself inside the building he began walking around as if he owned the place. He took the main elevator to Lara's apartment, a richly decorated one, that even had an expensive carpet and a sofa inside.
"Top floor," he told the boy who was operating the controls, while stepping inside and slouching himself in the sofa.
The boy followed him with his gaze, looking quite shocked and then just continued staring at him while he sat on the sofa. He had a dorky look on his face and his mouth was half opened, looking like he drooling.
"Problem?" Bullseye asked fixing him annoyed with his cold gaze.
"Ah, .. no, sir. To .. top ... flo .. floor right away," the boy babbled and turned away quickly, scared by the look Bullseye gave him.
When they reached the top floor and the elevator doors opened, Bullseye stood up and walked out, giving the boy a menacing glance, a thing that made him tremble with fear even more than he had ever since Bullseye stepped in.
The two bodyguards in front of the apartment's main door also looked at him strangely but they said absolutely nothing and simply let him pass, because Lara had ordered them to when she informed them about Bullseye's visit.
"How y'all doing?" he asked rhetorically with a sneer on his face while passing between them and entering the apartment, whose door was opened.
Inside he quickly made his way upstairs, where Lara's study was, but just as he reached forward to open the door, a familiar feminine voice interrupted him.
"Don't go in there."
He turned to see if it was whom he thought and signs of annoyance appeared on his face. It was Leah. He wanted to make one of his usual mocking comments but she quickly continued.
"Lara is talking with General Stryker and Colonel Mahin and they don't want to be disturbed. She said to wait until they finish. Follow me please," she informed him smiling.
Having no other choice, Bullseye followed Leah into a nearby room, although he couldn't really stand the girl after the way she had humiliated him.
"So, how come you're not with them?" What he actually meant to say was and she was well aware of it, but there was nothing she could do about it.
"They don't need me right now and besides Lara told me to keep you company," she said with an innocent smile, sitting down at a table, in front of a computer, the last part being more of a joke on her behalf.
"Remind me to thank her later," he smirked ironically.
Leah didn't pay attention to him and concentrated on her work. Bullseye began walking slowly across the room, looking around. The place looked like an old library; the walls were covered with dark brown wood and there were bookshelves almost everywhere.
As he was examining the place he noticed an interesting ornament hung on a wall, in the shape of a spider web, adorned with some small, colored balls and some feathers, in the lover part. Then, his gaze fell upon a gold pen on the desk at which Leah was sitting and suddenly he felt the need to exercise his talent. He couldn't help it. It was a habit.
He approached and took the pen from its stand, holding it up and examining its sharp nib, with a smile on his face. Leah raised her eyes when she saw him so close but then rapidly lowered them so he would not notice she was watching him.
Bullseye took the pen in his left hand and without even looking, he threw it towards the ornament on the wall, aiming at a very small blue stone in the middle. Then, still holding his hand outstretched he turned to admire his success but his smile soon faded, his hand fell down slowly and his eyes widened in shock when he saw the pen impaled into the wall, next to the ornament. He couldn't believe it. It was impossible.
But then he remembered Leah and her telekinetic powers. His eyes narrowed as he turned his head to give her an annoyed look even though she didn't look at him, after which he began walking towards some bookshelves. Leah was surprised to see how careless he faced his failure but didn't gear to look where he was going. Suddenly, she shuddered and fear overwhelmed her when she felt his hands on her shoulders and his head close to hers, almost resting on her left shoulder.
"You know, there's something I don't understand. D'you suffer from an incurable disease, your boyfriend dumped you, or what?"
She turned her head to look at him both frightened and confused.
"Ah, .. no," she muttered.
"Then why does a pretty girl like you want to die so young, hmm?" he spoke while his left hand slowly touched her neck as if wanting to grab hold of it.
He was smiling and acting calmly but this only frightened her more because she knew his real self would burst out anytime, especially after what he had told her.
"What do you mea .. ?" she tried to ask on a soft and scared tone, the words barely escaping her throat, when suddenly she found herself gaping for air as his hand was squeezing her neck with all its strength.
"I missed," he spoke angrily returning to his usual self.
"It happens," she responded when he had loosen a little bit the grasp on her neck, trying hard to force a smile on her face.
However, her bold response only aggravated the situation, Bullseye squeezing her neck tighter, pulling her head closer to his and looking straight into her eyes.
"I never miss. You made me miss. There! See?" He pointed in the direction he knew the wall ornament was but without turning to look at it.
"But the pen is right in the center. Wasn't that what you were aiming at?"
Bullseye looked and saw that the pen was indeed impaled in the small blue ball in the middle.
"D'you think I'm stupid?" he demanded furiously, squeezing her tighter and shaking her head. "This is another of your mutant tricks. It wasn't there a minute ago."
Leah didn't know what to say anymore and his grasp on her neck made her dizzy; she could hardly stand. Bullseye looked her in the eyes, then turned his gaze to the ornament and finally back to her. He took a few steps back, pulling her after him by her neck.
"C'me here."
Then he released her neck and grabbed her left upper arm, dragging her to the wall where the ornament was. When they were close enough he stood there examining the place for a few seconds and then pointed out to her a scratch on the wooden wall, the spot where the pen was first impaled.
"What's that?" he turned to her with a sneer on his lips.
"A scratch?" she asked trying to make a naïve smile appear on her face.
But hardly had she spoke the last word when his hand grabbed her neck again, dragging her closer to him and almost lifting her off the ground. Leah panicked. Pain and fear above everything else overwhelmed her, preventing her from using her powers to save her life.
"OK, I did it. I'm sorry. But what's the big deal, anyway? I was just trying to have some fun," she forced herself to speak while placing both her hands on the one that was squeezing her neck, trying to remove it.
"No one makes fun of me, girly."
"I wasn't making fun of you, I swear. Please put me down, I'm really sorry."
Bullseye just stared at her for a moment -it was obvious that she was being sincere by the fear in her voice and eyes- and then let go of her throat. He couldn't hurt her; not only because she was Lara's friend but also because he understood that she was indeed a nice and naïve girl who never had the intention to insult him in any way. And he had to admit that most of the anger he was feeling was because of what she had done to him the first time they met. He looked down at her while she was rubbing her throat.
"That wasn't a very wise move, girl. Make sure it doesn't happen again," he ordered menacingly.
Leah looked up at him, nodding and he kept his gaze on her for a few seconds after which he turned and began walking slowly towards the door.
"So, your name's Leah, right?" he spoke seeming a little more relaxed.
"Yes .. Colin," she began with confidence in her voice.
At the sound of his real name Bullseye suddenly stopped and turned his head to face her, the same frightening look returning on his face. Still very self-confident, Leah continued quickly so he wouldn't have time to react.
"If you want me to call you Bullseye then you call me Trinity. We don't have these code names for nothing. They keep our true identity secret .. ah, just like yours," she thought appropriate to add.
He kept silent for a while and just stared at her. She felt her entire body trembling with fear when she saw his fingers twitching, thinking he could throw at any time one of his shurikens towards her. She tried to concentrate so she could use her powers if he did throw something at her but found it impossible. She remembered how difficult it had been to stop the knife he threw at her a couple of days ago. But to her surprise his reaction was completely different.
"Fine, Trinity," he finally spoke, rolling his eyes annoyed and then turning again towards the door.
Leah breathed in release, putting her right palm over her fast beating heart.
"So when're those guys gonna leave?" Bullseye asked from the doorway, looking across the hallway towards the door of the study.
"I don't know," she responded as she sat back at the desk, resuming her work.
"Can't you at least go in there and see what they're doing? You're Lara's assistant, aren't you?" he asked nervously, slowly beginning to loose his patience.
"No. But don't worry, they'll be out soon. Why don't you have a sit?" she said pointing out a sofa in the opposite part of the room.
Bullseye followed her advice and went to the indicated spot. He sat down at the middle and then leaned horizontally on the sofa, his left leg on the floor and his right one bent and up on the couch. He let his head fell backwards, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, placed his left hand under his head and with his right one he began massaging the scar on his forehead.
He stayed like that for a couple of minutes, until he heard the sound of footsteps coming from the door. He opened his eyes and turned his head to the left to see if it was Leah or someone else.
"You can come now," said Lara stopping near Leah's desk.
"About time," Bullseye grumbled annoyed, raising form the sofa and approaching Lara.
"I am sorry, but we had to delay the meeting a little longer."
"Really? And what did you discuss this time? How to bring Daredevil on the team? Hey, why don't you invite him to leave here?" he asked mockingly.
"How many times do I have to tell you that I would like to see him dead as much as you do but I must obey the orders I am given?"
"Yeah, whatever, but next time I'll not sit here and wait like some f***ing plumber. I don't have time to wait for you all day, all right baby?"
"I cannot possibly imagine what other important things you have to do."
"My problem, not yours. .. Oh, and tell your little friend over there to mind her attitude or else .. well, she knows, don't you girly?"
Leah smiled at him, still a bit frightened after what had happened, and Lara looked at her questioning.
"I'll explain later," Leah whispered as Bullseye began walking towards the door.
Lara followed Bullseye into the study. He made his way to her desk and stopped near her brown leather chair.
"Some fancy chair you've got here," he said while sitting in it and propping his crossed legs on her desk, comfortably leaning back on the chair.
Lara stopped in front of the desk, starring at him.
"Problem?" he asked as if she had no right to question his actions.
She sighed, looking down for a minute, seeming a bit upset.
"This attitude of yours is because of last night, isn't it?"
He said nothing, but looked in another direction and rolled his eyes annoyed. Lara understood that it was pointless to go on with that because they would only end up arguing, so she decided to get to the point once and for all. However, Bullseye interrupted her before she could start talking.
"I hope you called me to give me my money, right?"
"For what?"
"What d'you mean ? For your vampire friends two days ago."
Lara crossed her arms and began laughing.
"I already told you that was only a test. You are not getting any money for that."
"What?" he yelled jumping from the chair.
"Calm down, you did not do much anyway. There are different species of vampires and the ones you fought are the less evolved ones, having limited powers. Sometimes we even let the police handle them."
"I'm from no bloody police and I don't work for free."
"Will you please sit down and let me talk? What I have to say will surely interest you."
Bullseye sat back in the chair, this time without putting his feet on Lara's desk, and listened to her carefully.
"I went to see Fisk today and he seemed quite pleased with your accomplishments so far, therefore he decided he wants to have you as his number one assassin."
"Really?" He was contempt to hear this but he acted like he was already expecting such a proposition, like it was something ordinary for someone of his caliber. "For how long?"
"For as long as you wish, but let me add that this is a great opportunity for you to prove your abilities and to earn more money than you would ever, back in Ireland. Fisk is expecting you tonight at eight. He has an assignment for you that will more than make up for the money you did not get so far."
"Then I must be going. Don't wanna be late for work now."
Smiling, Bullseye headed to the door, passing by Lara as if she wasn't there. With a sad expression on her face she watched him leave. He probably was really upset with her if he passed just like that, without even looking at her. She wanted to call him back but didn't find the right words. On his way out, Bullseye bumped into Leah, who was going to see Lara.
"I'm so sorry, really. I'm so clumsy sometimes," she said with a forced smile on her lips and with fear in her voice, taking a few steps backwards and defensively raising the paper case she was holding, up to her chin in case he attacked her again.
But he didn't. He just glanced at her for a few seconds and then went on his way.
"So, that's your long lost friend?" Leah asked after entering the study.
Lara was sitting at her desk, smoking a cigarette and looking absent minded. At Leah's question she simply nodded without even looking at her.
"Did you say something to him or is h always that lunatic?"
Lara maintained her thinking position for a while and then shifted her gaze to Leah, looking straight into her eyes as if realizing something.
"This is all your fault, you know that?"
"What?" Leah jumped intrigued.
"I fi had done things my way and just slept with him from the beginning he wouldn't be so pissed of right now."
"Oh, so that's it? He's upset because you didn't sleep with him? Well, that just proves what a great guy he is," said Leah while laughing out loud.
"Still, it is your fault for filling my mind with all that nonsense."
"Excuse me, but you came asking for my advice, lamenting how you want a steady relationship and all that. I had no idea this is the kind of guy you think is interested in a serious commitment."
"From now on would you please refrain from giving me any advice even if I ask you to?"
"Fine. Don't worry I won't stand in the way of your eternal happiness with your beloved psychopathic assassin," she answered on a slightly mocking tone but with signs of sorrow and disappointment in her voice.
"Good. Then I will go and settle things right, my way."
"Oh, I wonder what you will do!"
Lara ignored Leah's ironical comment and changed the subject.
"What did he do to you, anyway?"
"Well, .. "
Kingpin was sitting at his desk when Bullseye walked in. He was holding a cigar in one hand and with the other he was flipping some files he had in front of him.
"Here I am, boss."
"Good. Have a sit," Kingpin said pointing with the cigar to one of the two white chairs in front, without raising his eyes from the files. Bullseye sat in one of the chairs, placing his feet on Fisk's desk.
"I believe you've already talked to Colonel West. So, for how long are you willing to work for me?" Kingpin asked looking Bullseye in the eyes.
"As long as the pay's good."
"Excellent!"
Kingpin stood up smiling and took a yellow folder from his desk, handing it to Bullseye. He noticed he had, once again, put his feet on his desk but said nothing. He couldn't say he was pleased with Bullseye's attitude but he was the best assassin he had ever seen and for that he let him behave as he pleased.
"Dominik and Katya Redko," Kingpin began as Bullseye was looking at two photographs attached to the folder. "Brother and Sister; professional Russian thieves, among the very best in the world. They stole something that belongs to me. Some diamonds that I had arranged to be brought into the US. I need you to eliminate them and to bring the diamonds to me. You'll recognize them; they're green and they're like no other diamonds you've seen before. You will find all the necessary information in the folder. That will be all."
"This one's easy. You'll have your stones same time tomorrow."
Bullseye stood up, intending to leave but Fisk stopped him.
"Aren't you forgetting something?"
Bullseye looked at him, a little confused at first but then he noticed a small vase with two red roses on Kingpin's desk.
Thank you Ravenclaw2 and Villainbabe for your reviews as well, but I knew you wouldn't abandon me.
PART 10: "Full time job"
Later that day, at about 5 PM in the afternoon, Bullseye received a message from Lara on his cell phone and went to her apartment to see her, as she requested. This time he sneaked in the building trying to avoid the guards, knowing that killing them would only annoy her and that would possibly prevent their relationship from advancing any further in the near future.
However, when he found himself inside the building he began walking around as if he owned the place. He took the main elevator to Lara's apartment, a richly decorated one, that even had an expensive carpet and a sofa inside.
"Top floor," he told the boy who was operating the controls, while stepping inside and slouching himself in the sofa.
The boy followed him with his gaze, looking quite shocked and then just continued staring at him while he sat on the sofa. He had a dorky look on his face and his mouth was half opened, looking like he drooling.
"Problem?" Bullseye asked fixing him annoyed with his cold gaze.
"Ah, .. no, sir. To .. top ... flo .. floor right away," the boy babbled and turned away quickly, scared by the look Bullseye gave him.
When they reached the top floor and the elevator doors opened, Bullseye stood up and walked out, giving the boy a menacing glance, a thing that made him tremble with fear even more than he had ever since Bullseye stepped in.
The two bodyguards in front of the apartment's main door also looked at him strangely but they said absolutely nothing and simply let him pass, because Lara had ordered them to when she informed them about Bullseye's visit.
"How y'all doing?" he asked rhetorically with a sneer on his face while passing between them and entering the apartment, whose door was opened.
Inside he quickly made his way upstairs, where Lara's study was, but just as he reached forward to open the door, a familiar feminine voice interrupted him.
"Don't go in there."
He turned to see if it was whom he thought and signs of annoyance appeared on his face. It was Leah. He wanted to make one of his usual mocking comments but she quickly continued.
"Lara is talking with General Stryker and Colonel Mahin and they don't want to be disturbed. She said to wait until they finish. Follow me please," she informed him smiling.
Having no other choice, Bullseye followed Leah into a nearby room, although he couldn't really stand the girl after the way she had humiliated him.
"So, how come you're not with them?" What he actually meant to say was and she was well aware of it, but there was nothing she could do about it.
"They don't need me right now and besides Lara told me to keep you company," she said with an innocent smile, sitting down at a table, in front of a computer, the last part being more of a joke on her behalf.
"Remind me to thank her later," he smirked ironically.
Leah didn't pay attention to him and concentrated on her work. Bullseye began walking slowly across the room, looking around. The place looked like an old library; the walls were covered with dark brown wood and there were bookshelves almost everywhere.
As he was examining the place he noticed an interesting ornament hung on a wall, in the shape of a spider web, adorned with some small, colored balls and some feathers, in the lover part. Then, his gaze fell upon a gold pen on the desk at which Leah was sitting and suddenly he felt the need to exercise his talent. He couldn't help it. It was a habit.
He approached and took the pen from its stand, holding it up and examining its sharp nib, with a smile on his face. Leah raised her eyes when she saw him so close but then rapidly lowered them so he would not notice she was watching him.
Bullseye took the pen in his left hand and without even looking, he threw it towards the ornament on the wall, aiming at a very small blue stone in the middle. Then, still holding his hand outstretched he turned to admire his success but his smile soon faded, his hand fell down slowly and his eyes widened in shock when he saw the pen impaled into the wall, next to the ornament. He couldn't believe it. It was impossible.
But then he remembered Leah and her telekinetic powers. His eyes narrowed as he turned his head to give her an annoyed look even though she didn't look at him, after which he began walking towards some bookshelves. Leah was surprised to see how careless he faced his failure but didn't gear to look where he was going. Suddenly, she shuddered and fear overwhelmed her when she felt his hands on her shoulders and his head close to hers, almost resting on her left shoulder.
"You know, there's something I don't understand. D'you suffer from an incurable disease, your boyfriend dumped you, or what?"
She turned her head to look at him both frightened and confused.
"Ah, .. no," she muttered.
"Then why does a pretty girl like you want to die so young, hmm?" he spoke while his left hand slowly touched her neck as if wanting to grab hold of it.
He was smiling and acting calmly but this only frightened her more because she knew his real self would burst out anytime, especially after what he had told her.
"What do you mea .. ?" she tried to ask on a soft and scared tone, the words barely escaping her throat, when suddenly she found herself gaping for air as his hand was squeezing her neck with all its strength.
"I missed," he spoke angrily returning to his usual self.
"It happens," she responded when he had loosen a little bit the grasp on her neck, trying hard to force a smile on her face.
However, her bold response only aggravated the situation, Bullseye squeezing her neck tighter, pulling her head closer to his and looking straight into her eyes.
"I never miss. You made me miss. There! See?" He pointed in the direction he knew the wall ornament was but without turning to look at it.
"But the pen is right in the center. Wasn't that what you were aiming at?"
Bullseye looked and saw that the pen was indeed impaled in the small blue ball in the middle.
"D'you think I'm stupid?" he demanded furiously, squeezing her tighter and shaking her head. "This is another of your mutant tricks. It wasn't there a minute ago."
Leah didn't know what to say anymore and his grasp on her neck made her dizzy; she could hardly stand. Bullseye looked her in the eyes, then turned his gaze to the ornament and finally back to her. He took a few steps back, pulling her after him by her neck.
"C'me here."
Then he released her neck and grabbed her left upper arm, dragging her to the wall where the ornament was. When they were close enough he stood there examining the place for a few seconds and then pointed out to her a scratch on the wooden wall, the spot where the pen was first impaled.
"What's that?" he turned to her with a sneer on his lips.
"A scratch?" she asked trying to make a naïve smile appear on her face.
But hardly had she spoke the last word when his hand grabbed her neck again, dragging her closer to him and almost lifting her off the ground. Leah panicked. Pain and fear above everything else overwhelmed her, preventing her from using her powers to save her life.
"OK, I did it. I'm sorry. But what's the big deal, anyway? I was just trying to have some fun," she forced herself to speak while placing both her hands on the one that was squeezing her neck, trying to remove it.
"No one makes fun of me, girly."
"I wasn't making fun of you, I swear. Please put me down, I'm really sorry."
Bullseye just stared at her for a moment -it was obvious that she was being sincere by the fear in her voice and eyes- and then let go of her throat. He couldn't hurt her; not only because she was Lara's friend but also because he understood that she was indeed a nice and naïve girl who never had the intention to insult him in any way. And he had to admit that most of the anger he was feeling was because of what she had done to him the first time they met. He looked down at her while she was rubbing her throat.
"That wasn't a very wise move, girl. Make sure it doesn't happen again," he ordered menacingly.
Leah looked up at him, nodding and he kept his gaze on her for a few seconds after which he turned and began walking slowly towards the door.
"So, your name's Leah, right?" he spoke seeming a little more relaxed.
"Yes .. Colin," she began with confidence in her voice.
At the sound of his real name Bullseye suddenly stopped and turned his head to face her, the same frightening look returning on his face. Still very self-confident, Leah continued quickly so he wouldn't have time to react.
"If you want me to call you Bullseye then you call me Trinity. We don't have these code names for nothing. They keep our true identity secret .. ah, just like yours," she thought appropriate to add.
He kept silent for a while and just stared at her. She felt her entire body trembling with fear when she saw his fingers twitching, thinking he could throw at any time one of his shurikens towards her. She tried to concentrate so she could use her powers if he did throw something at her but found it impossible. She remembered how difficult it had been to stop the knife he threw at her a couple of days ago. But to her surprise his reaction was completely different.
"Fine, Trinity," he finally spoke, rolling his eyes annoyed and then turning again towards the door.
Leah breathed in release, putting her right palm over her fast beating heart.
"So when're those guys gonna leave?" Bullseye asked from the doorway, looking across the hallway towards the door of the study.
"I don't know," she responded as she sat back at the desk, resuming her work.
"Can't you at least go in there and see what they're doing? You're Lara's assistant, aren't you?" he asked nervously, slowly beginning to loose his patience.
"No. But don't worry, they'll be out soon. Why don't you have a sit?" she said pointing out a sofa in the opposite part of the room.
Bullseye followed her advice and went to the indicated spot. He sat down at the middle and then leaned horizontally on the sofa, his left leg on the floor and his right one bent and up on the couch. He let his head fell backwards, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, placed his left hand under his head and with his right one he began massaging the scar on his forehead.
He stayed like that for a couple of minutes, until he heard the sound of footsteps coming from the door. He opened his eyes and turned his head to the left to see if it was Leah or someone else.
"You can come now," said Lara stopping near Leah's desk.
"About time," Bullseye grumbled annoyed, raising form the sofa and approaching Lara.
"I am sorry, but we had to delay the meeting a little longer."
"Really? And what did you discuss this time? How to bring Daredevil on the team? Hey, why don't you invite him to leave here?" he asked mockingly.
"How many times do I have to tell you that I would like to see him dead as much as you do but I must obey the orders I am given?"
"Yeah, whatever, but next time I'll not sit here and wait like some f***ing plumber. I don't have time to wait for you all day, all right baby?"
"I cannot possibly imagine what other important things you have to do."
"My problem, not yours. .. Oh, and tell your little friend over there to mind her attitude or else .. well, she knows, don't you girly?"
Leah smiled at him, still a bit frightened after what had happened, and Lara looked at her questioning.
"I'll explain later," Leah whispered as Bullseye began walking towards the door.
Lara followed Bullseye into the study. He made his way to her desk and stopped near her brown leather chair.
"Some fancy chair you've got here," he said while sitting in it and propping his crossed legs on her desk, comfortably leaning back on the chair.
Lara stopped in front of the desk, starring at him.
"Problem?" he asked as if she had no right to question his actions.
She sighed, looking down for a minute, seeming a bit upset.
"This attitude of yours is because of last night, isn't it?"
He said nothing, but looked in another direction and rolled his eyes annoyed. Lara understood that it was pointless to go on with that because they would only end up arguing, so she decided to get to the point once and for all. However, Bullseye interrupted her before she could start talking.
"I hope you called me to give me my money, right?"
"For what?"
"What d'you mean ? For your vampire friends two days ago."
Lara crossed her arms and began laughing.
"I already told you that was only a test. You are not getting any money for that."
"What?" he yelled jumping from the chair.
"Calm down, you did not do much anyway. There are different species of vampires and the ones you fought are the less evolved ones, having limited powers. Sometimes we even let the police handle them."
"I'm from no bloody police and I don't work for free."
"Will you please sit down and let me talk? What I have to say will surely interest you."
Bullseye sat back in the chair, this time without putting his feet on Lara's desk, and listened to her carefully.
"I went to see Fisk today and he seemed quite pleased with your accomplishments so far, therefore he decided he wants to have you as his number one assassin."
"Really?" He was contempt to hear this but he acted like he was already expecting such a proposition, like it was something ordinary for someone of his caliber. "For how long?"
"For as long as you wish, but let me add that this is a great opportunity for you to prove your abilities and to earn more money than you would ever, back in Ireland. Fisk is expecting you tonight at eight. He has an assignment for you that will more than make up for the money you did not get so far."
"Then I must be going. Don't wanna be late for work now."
Smiling, Bullseye headed to the door, passing by Lara as if she wasn't there. With a sad expression on her face she watched him leave. He probably was really upset with her if he passed just like that, without even looking at her. She wanted to call him back but didn't find the right words. On his way out, Bullseye bumped into Leah, who was going to see Lara.
"I'm so sorry, really. I'm so clumsy sometimes," she said with a forced smile on her lips and with fear in her voice, taking a few steps backwards and defensively raising the paper case she was holding, up to her chin in case he attacked her again.
But he didn't. He just glanced at her for a few seconds and then went on his way.
"So, that's your long lost friend?" Leah asked after entering the study.
Lara was sitting at her desk, smoking a cigarette and looking absent minded. At Leah's question she simply nodded without even looking at her.
"Did you say something to him or is h always that lunatic?"
Lara maintained her thinking position for a while and then shifted her gaze to Leah, looking straight into her eyes as if realizing something.
"This is all your fault, you know that?"
"What?" Leah jumped intrigued.
"I fi had done things my way and just slept with him from the beginning he wouldn't be so pissed of right now."
"Oh, so that's it? He's upset because you didn't sleep with him? Well, that just proves what a great guy he is," said Leah while laughing out loud.
"Still, it is your fault for filling my mind with all that nonsense."
"Excuse me, but you came asking for my advice, lamenting how you want a steady relationship and all that. I had no idea this is the kind of guy you think is interested in a serious commitment."
"From now on would you please refrain from giving me any advice even if I ask you to?"
"Fine. Don't worry I won't stand in the way of your eternal happiness with your beloved psychopathic assassin," she answered on a slightly mocking tone but with signs of sorrow and disappointment in her voice.
"Good. Then I will go and settle things right, my way."
"Oh, I wonder what you will do!"
Lara ignored Leah's ironical comment and changed the subject.
"What did he do to you, anyway?"
"Well, .. "
Kingpin was sitting at his desk when Bullseye walked in. He was holding a cigar in one hand and with the other he was flipping some files he had in front of him.
"Here I am, boss."
"Good. Have a sit," Kingpin said pointing with the cigar to one of the two white chairs in front, without raising his eyes from the files. Bullseye sat in one of the chairs, placing his feet on Fisk's desk.
"I believe you've already talked to Colonel West. So, for how long are you willing to work for me?" Kingpin asked looking Bullseye in the eyes.
"As long as the pay's good."
"Excellent!"
Kingpin stood up smiling and took a yellow folder from his desk, handing it to Bullseye. He noticed he had, once again, put his feet on his desk but said nothing. He couldn't say he was pleased with Bullseye's attitude but he was the best assassin he had ever seen and for that he let him behave as he pleased.
"Dominik and Katya Redko," Kingpin began as Bullseye was looking at two photographs attached to the folder. "Brother and Sister; professional Russian thieves, among the very best in the world. They stole something that belongs to me. Some diamonds that I had arranged to be brought into the US. I need you to eliminate them and to bring the diamonds to me. You'll recognize them; they're green and they're like no other diamonds you've seen before. You will find all the necessary information in the folder. That will be all."
"This one's easy. You'll have your stones same time tomorrow."
Bullseye stood up, intending to leave but Fisk stopped him.
"Aren't you forgetting something?"
Bullseye looked at him, a little confused at first but then he noticed a small vase with two red roses on Kingpin's desk.