Hello again everyone! Hope everyone is having an awesone thanksgiving break, and if you don't celebrate thanksgiving, then I hope you having an awesome week. Here is chpater 3 yall, which was fun for me. Anyway,I just like to say thank you to everyones support on this Fic, it has be very helpful

Edit: Fixed transaltions

Chapter 3: Queen of Hearts.

Adrian's POV

After my meeting with Anderson, the rest of my week has been busy as hell. Contract after contract. Most of it was getting information, which was boring for me. Nalik said I need to expand, but what the hell does he know? I'm the one doing the work, shouldn't I decide? At the moment, I'm actually waiting in Chora's Den. A contact was going to meet with me here to talk business. From what Nalik said, it's a hit job. My favorite. Other than that, not much else. I sat in the far corner of the club. I had all my weapons, cloaked of course, and my helmet off and hidden as well. Cool thing about the helmet is that it folds up, making it easy to conceal. I looked around, trying to figure who my contact may be. Some Asari and Salarians would walk in but they looked far too casual to be a contact.

Next thing I knew, I see a belle woman walking. She was tall, had brunette hair, ivory skin, and was very developed. She looked around the club until her eyes landed on me. That's when it hit me. That's Miranda Lawson, which means Cerberus is paying for this next job. Great, I'll probably be killing some Turian war veteran for saying that humans smell and have large feet. If it wasn't for Miranda being so hot, and the credits, I would of left. She walked towards me, hips swaying. Understatement for her being perfect.

"Spade?" she asked. I grimaced, and quickly looked around to see if anyone heard her. Luckily no one did. I motioned her to sit. I would flirt, if this wasn't business. I need to be profesional.

"Mademoiselle. If I would be so kind as to ask. Please, for the love of God, don't say that too loud. I would rather be able to work peacefully than have a club shooting at us both." I glared at her. For a second I saw surprise in her, but it quickly changed to her own glare.

"And if you would be so kind not to use that tone of voice, Monsieur." I never kept my eyes from her own. I will not show weakness. Still, I can't help but at least try to charm her.

"Forgive me. Things have just been... rather tense lately. You may have noticed that I'm not really liked in this station. And, almost half of the male population in this room are staring at you, beauté." I saw her swallow, and she looked around. She noticed the wondering eyes. "Anyway. To what do I owe the pleasure Mademoiselle Lawson."

Her head snapped towards me. Surprised Mlle. Lawson? You should be more careful with who you are working with. To make even more uncomfortable, I pulled out a deck of cards and started shuffling. If she did her homework, she would know about my cards. She shifted in her seat. Guess I have the upper hand.

"Before I start, I would like to know a name, since you know mine."

"Fair enough. I'm Monsieur Dawn. Adrian Dawn." I extended a hand. She took it and I leaned forward and kissed it. I could see a tint of pink. Careful Lawson. She cleared her throat.

"Well Mr. Dawn. My employer has a job that is suited with your particular talents." So it is a hit job.

"The target?" I asked. She brought out a datapad and handed it to me.

"A Mr. Dawson. He was a scientist working for my employer, however, he has defected. My boss would like to see him eliminated." I read over the datapad. Late fifties, former Alliance doctor, a practiced geneticist. "Also, to help, we have found where he will be later this afternoon. He will be in the Presidium meeting with a member of the Asari government. We believe he plans to reveal who I work for. That cannot happen." I placed the pad down and took a sip of my whisky.

"What is the pay?" She hesitated.

"Five hundred-thousand." I choked, and spit out my drink. Five hundred thousand! For one man?! I hate to see how much The Illusive Man would pay to get me killed. On second thought, I'm actually rather curious now. "You will get paid once you have confirmed with me that the job is done." She turned on her omnitool. "This is the address of where I'm staying. It's in the Presidium Commons. Is there any questions?" I can't help myself.

"How about a baiser for good luck?" She sent a glare. If looks could kill. "Ahh, can't help for trying. Very well then, I will complete the job as soon as I can, and meet up with you later." We both stood up and we walked out of the club. Once out of sight from onlookers, I deactivated the cloak on my weapons, revealing my pistol, SMG's, and Sicarius. Miranda was surprised by my arsenal, especially the rifle. I then took out my helmet. I unfolded it, allowing it to take its shape. I put the helmet on, and waiting till the HUD was up. I looked at Miranda, and could tell she was surprised. I cupped her chin. "Not polite to stare Mademoiselle." She blushed, and before she could say or do anything, I took off and activated my cloak.

After about a few hours, I was in position. The way to the Presidium took awhile from the Wards. I freeran to get here. No way in hell am I taking the elevator. My position was well hidden. I was between two buildings that had a walkway connecting the two. I was on the roof of the walkway, hidden by the shadows the buildings cast. At least I don't have to worry about glares giving away my position.

I took out my Sicarius, and readied it for the kill. I loaded a fresh thermal clip, and cocked the weapon. I looked through the scope and readied a distance. In front of me was the lake and the other side of the Presidium. From what I could see through the scope were some embassies. Well the target was going to meet with an Asari ambassador. Using my scope I scanned for anyone that could be my target. I had a picture, which was easy for me since I didn't have to use my scanner. The man was older, late fifties probably. He had silver balding hair, with a silver goatee. I checked the time on my HUD and checked with the estimate time the datapad had. He should be showing up soon.

After seven years of working in this universe, it's still amazing that I'm actually here. It didn't really hit me until I met Anderson. Nalik would sometimes remind me of my main mission. Helping Shepard kick some Reaper ass. Still, I don't know what kind of difference I would make. I needed to survive this time period, the two years between ME 1 and 2, survive the Collectors, and then survive ME 3. The odds were surely stacked against me. Not only that, but I'm hated by half of the galaxy. Shepard may not even trust me, nor the crew would. I may have placed myself on Anderson's good side, but nothing for sure. Hell if Shepard is a Paragon I may end up in prison for the things I've done. Or if she is a Renegade, she would just kill me. Still, it would be interesting to see how my own dialogue would be. I'm not going to lie, I may seem like a calm, cool, collected guy, but I have my fair share of demons I picked up over the years.

My HUD blipped, a little notice saying that the target was near. I checked the time. Off by a few minutes, eh? Not bad Miranda. I readied Sicarius, setting my scope for wind speed, resistance, and distance. Once set, I aimed for the embassies, watching for my target to appear. I noticed a small group of Asari walking outside the embassy. By the look of Disciple shotguns and Acolyte pistols, this was probably an ambassador the target was meeting with. I've learned that Asari love to show off what they have. Especially their commandos and weapons. The group stopped at the front of a bridge that went over the lack. Sure enough a man wearing a white suit came into view. Older gentlemen, silver balding hair with matching goatee. He looked around, allowing me to get a glimpse of his face. With the HUD, I was able to get a still shot of his face, allowing me to do a face scan. Lucky for me, it was a match. Target sighted. I readied for the shot, my trigger finger hovering over the trigger. The man's side was facing me. I need him to turn so I can get a clear shot. He was patted down by a Commando, and by the nod, he was clean. Not like it mattered. You can't protect yourself from what you can't see. He greeted the ambassador with a handshake. They conversed for a while. That's cool, I can wait. Patience is key, at least that was what I learned during training.

After about three minutes of talking the group turned and slowly walked along the bridge. Perfect. The man's chest was facing me, making him the perfect target. I was about to the pull the trigger and send off a shot, but one of those damn blue bitches thought it would be cool to walk in front of him. Seriously bitch! Just walk in front of my line! If this was golf you would be penalized! I started to steady my breathing. I need to be calmed if I need a clean shot. I'm a neat freak when it comes to work. Out of shear dumb luck, or someone upstairs really wanted this guy dead, some Turian tried to get the ambassadors attention. Maybe she was famous or something, but it gave me a window. The commando in front of the target went to stop the Turian. The target looked worried, as if he knows he's fucked. I smirked. That you are my friend. I steadied my breathing, started my countdown from five. My world slowed. My fingered squeezed the trigger. I could feel the mechanics of the Sicarius working. The bullet was sent. Seconds felt like minutes.

The bullet hit squared on the man chest. Blood escaped from the pressure of the hit. The target was dead before he touched the ground. The Asari didn't realize what at happened until the man crashed on the floor. Two of the four Commandos grabbed the ambassador and covered her. The other two checked the body and looked around for any sign of me. Too bad for them, I was cloaked and long gone. Now, I had to meet with my beautiful contact.

Miranda POV

"Sir. Reports are coming in about the assassination of Mr. Dawson. Spade's mission is successful. Awaiting for him to meet with me for payment transaction." Four hours ago, the news was flooding with reports of the latest "Spade Attack". He must of been busy for him to have such a reputation for the news to name him. I didn't know why exactly he would use a playing card as a call sign, but it gave him the name. The news said that C-Sec was positive that it was Spade, although it was just speculation. He must of used that rifle I didn't recognized.

"Good work Lawson. After you have finished the transaction, I want you to head back to Cronos Station for your next assignment," The Illusive Man said.

"Understood sir." There was a pause.

"You sound troubled Ms. Lawson. What is on your mind?" Damnit. I really didn't want to go any further than this. However, he asked, and I trusted him.

"It's about Spade. Why not recruit him? He has the potential to be a top Lieutenant." It was what I believed. His skills were top notch, at least by what the reports stated. Equivalent to special forces. He could be a huge asset for Cerberus. I waited for a response. We were speaking via comlink.

"As good as an idea that is, it is risky. He is dangerous, and his MO doesn't really match our goals. He is skilled, but a majority of agents would rather have him dead. Besides, his only main concern is how many credits he will earn. We need people who have the passion for humanity, not to exploit it."

I bit my lip. He was right. Spade, as skilled as he was, was nothing more than a high paid mercenary. That and if he received the right price, he could turn on us in a second. I cannot allow that.

"Anything else?"

"No sir."

"Very well. Good work Lawson. I'll see you once you are finished." I heard the call end, and I shut off my terminal. I got up and stretched. I've been cooped up in this apartment waiting for Spade, or Adrian, to show up. He wasn't like most assassins. Some I met were cold and ominous. He was different. More lively. What surprised me was how he spoke. The accent threw me off, his French, and his attitude. How he knew my name, was beyond me. Unsettling. I worried if I was a potential target of his, or, Orianna... No! She couldn't be on someone's list. Only my fathers, and he wants her alive, not dead. Whatever the case, Adrian knows how to make one's skin crawl. I studied his MO. The deck of cards he had was a sure sign he wanted me uneasy. Yet, he told me his name. I honestly thought he wouldn't, but he did. Adrian Dawn.

"Why tell me his name?" I asked out loud.

"Well you did ask Madame." I spun around to see Adrian leaning on the wall, the balcony door opened. I thought I locked it? I cleared my throat and tried to regain my professionalism. He chuckled.

"No need to be tense. It's not like there is any danger," he said in a cool tone. He had his helmet on, which unsettled me. Why a skull face?

"Sorry, but if an assassin sneaks up on you, you tend to worry," I said. He shrugged. I rolled my eyes. He isn't really professional is he. I turned on my omni and with a few swipes I sent the credits to the account his contact gave me.

"the credits have been sent your account Mr. Dawn." He nodded.

"s'il vouse plaît, call me Adrian. The job is done, no need for formalities." He took off his helmet, revealing his face and a smile. I shyly smiled back.

"Miranda," I said. His smiled widened. For a moment it was silent. Somehow, I remembered his MO, and how he would leave an Ace of Spades after every job. I couldn't help and chuckle. It sounded ridiculous.

"What is so funny?"

"Oh. Nothing, I was just wondering. Actually, since I'm thinking about it. Why do you leave a playing card after a job?" He chuckled.

"No clue really. During my training, a friend said that all the greats left a tell after a job. And since I always carried a deck of cards with me, I just randomly drew a card. The card was the Ace of Spades, so, ever since then I would leave and Ace on my kills," he paused and shrugged. "Ace isn't even my favorite card."

"Really? Then what is?" He smiled. He reached in his pocket, pulling out a deck. He went through the cards until he found one. He put the rest of the cards in his pocket and gave me the other. Queen of Hearts. "Why the Queen?"

"Simple. She is my ma dame de le chance. My lady luck. She is the most beautiful card in all the deck. Besides, without a Queen, how can the King lead?" I smiled. She is a good luck charm. I wonder if she was the only Lady Luck he had?

"Is there another Lady Luck back at home?" I asked jokingly. His smiled faded. Shit... "Oh... I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"

"It's alright Miranda. No harm in asking. No, I don't not have another waiting for me. With the job I have, I can't risk getting close to someone. I wouldn't live with myself if they got hurt."

Wow. I never thought I would see emotion coming from an assassin. In a way, it was sad. They way he acted. He could pass as a Marine. He deserved someone, but he knew the risks. I looked back at the playing card. Maybe for now, all he needed was his Queen. I handed him back the card, and gave him a sincere smile. His cocky grin came back.

"Merci." He checked the time on the holo-clock on my night stand. "Well. I should be off. Merci again, and it was lovely chatting with you Miranda." I smiled.

"Likewise." He mocked salute, and put his helmet back on. I shivered when I saw the skull design. "Seriously, why a skull?" He chuckled, the five vertical slits on his helmet lighting up.

"Intimidation. The skull is the universal symbol for death, and death is the one thing all living things fear." I raised an eyebrow. Interesting and smart. He gave me a nod and walked out the apartment and into the balcony. He then turned towards me.

"Oh. And be sure to send The Illusive Man my regards."

"What?!" He quickly turned and jumped of the railing. I ran, and leaned forward to get a glimpse of him, but he was gone. I shook my head, and pinched the bridge of my noise. This man was full of surprises.

Well there you have it. I hoped ya'll enjoyed this chapter as much as I did. I'm not a huge fan of Miranda, but I did romance her on a playthrough and was a little saddened that she couldn't join the crew. Anyway, next chapter will be when the everything gets to full swing.

Translations:

belle: Beautiful

Mademoiselle: Madame, Miss

Monsieur: Sir

beauté: Beauty

Mlle: Ms.

baiser: Kiss

s'il vouse plaît: Please

ma dame de le chance: Lady Luck

Merci: Thank you