4:30 rolled around when large orange cat arrived. Jenni had finished her book around that time and placed back in her coat along with her gun. "Good afternoon, Mr. Sweet." the clerk said. "Jeremy, nice to see you. How're your folks?" the fat cat asked. Jeremy, the clerk smiled and said, "Very good sir. Umm, Ms. Graves is here to see you." Jeremy pointed towards Jenni and Sweet turned to face her, "Ah! Ms. Graves! Sorry about the wait. I had business to take care of." "Nothing to serious I hope." Jenni said. "Nah! Nothing I couldn't handle.
So, what do you say we head into my office and talk some business?" Sweet asked. Jenni stood up and readjusted her coat, "Lead the way sir." Jenni followed Asa up the stairs and into a cold dark hallway where a single door stood, and a pretty Siamese sat. Jenni still kept a sharp eye out for that strange cat. Sweet's office was yellow and brown with a large luxurious desk. "Have a seat Ms. Graves." Asa ordered. Jenni sat in a nice red clothed seat. She noticed the desk had numerous candy jars and a bottle of bourbon.
"Drink, Ms. Graves?" Asa asked. "No thank you sir. I don't drink. It clouds my judgement." Jenni replied politely. Asa nodded "Smart." Sweet plopped in his own seat with a giant cigar in his mouth, "Smoke?" "No thank you sir. I don't smoke either." This time, Sweet looked at her confusingly, "You don't smoke either?" Jenni sighed, "I have a friend who lives around here, and she does not like the smell of smoke. Her parents died in a fire, and she has PTSD because of that." Sweet frowned, "Oh God, that's horrible."
Sweet put out his cigar and picked up a piece of paper, "Right, down to business. Now, if I'm correct you used to work for Father Moore, is that right?" "Yes." Jenni replied crossly. Sweet scoffed, "He was some priest. I'm not one to discourage others by their religion but that man was way into God." Jenni groaned, "The only thing he talked about when I was there was God. It didn't bother me much." "Are you a Christian Ms. Graves?" "No. I'm Pagan." "Witchcraft?" "More like nature and animal protectors."
Sweet leaned back in his chair, "Your father raised you well, he was a good man. Good heart. Always wanted to avoid violence. I was shocked to hear Luna shot him." Jenni's eyes morphed into a glare, her hands clenched into fists, but quickly placed them in her lap. Her ears twitched violently with anger. She took a deep breath and calmed down, "Mr. Sweet, the only proof I have are my words, but my mother did not kill my father. The police didn't review the case thoroughly, let alone the evidence."
"I never believed Luna killed Bruce, I met her once and she was very gentle, kind, motherly. She wasn't the "killing" type." Sweet said. Jenni looked sadly at the candies, "6 weeks after her arrest, my mother died. Heartbreak. If that doesn't prove her innocence, I don't know what will." Sweet sighed, "I am sorry. You know, Bruce was one of our suppliers. We worked very closely together. He worked with a lot of people actually." "I'm aware. As much as I'd love to go into my father's affairs, this isn't why I'm here." Jenni stated.
"Straight to business. I like that. So, what positions have you held in the past Ms. Graves?" Asa asked. "I worked as a bookkeeper at the local library in New York City when I was 13. Where I got my education too. I quit when I was 18 so I could practice more...physical improvements. Martial arts, marksmanship, mostly outdoor activities. Now I work as a bounty hunter/assassin for hire." Jenni explained. "So, you kill people for a living?" Sweet asked. Jenni nodded. "How many have employed you? Including Moore?"
Jenni looked up, "Hmm, I lost count. 120 give or take." "Jeez! You get around!" Sweet exclaimed. "I'm not exaggerating either." Jenni chuckled. "I believe it. How do you get around?" "Trains. Boats. Cars, if their close enough." "How long have you been doing this for?" "About 10 years." "Incredible! I can see why Moore recommended you. He wrote quite a letter to me; saying how you were the best apprentice he had. He disappeared a few weeks ago. Wonder what happened."
"I haven't heard. I hope he's alright." Jenni said with a look of concern. "I'm sure he's fine. Man needed a vacation. He was a hard worker. Good guy too. Beautiful church. He always collected money for the poor. He helped me out of a few jams in the past." "I hope he's found safe and sound. Hey, that rhymes." "Yeah, it does. You know what, I like you Graves, so I'll make a deal." Jenni grinned and flicked her tail, "I'm listening." "I'll hire you on to the Marigold gang under one condition." "And what condition would that be Mr. Sweet?"
"I want you to be a protege to one of my guys. You know, just to show you the ropes of how we do things here." Jenni didn't look happy, "Sir, I'm more Pro than Protege." Asa laughed, "Then it shouldn't be a problem for you." Jenni sighed and nodded, "Alright, Deal. But I want to know who you are putting me with." "Oh, don't worry Ms. Graves, I know just the guy." Jenni cringed at the chuckle Asa gave after he said that. "What's his name?" she asked. "I'll tell you when we meet the others. You'll like him." Sweet replied,
"You're a lot like him. He's smart, sophisticated, handsome, not very friendly but who in this business is?" "I see." Jenni sighed. "Well, thank you for giving me a job at the very least." "Of course, madam, now why don't you get some rest. Your room is the penthouse on the top floor. Hope you like heights." Asa handed her a large gold key. "Thank you again sir. Have a good evening." "You as well Ms. Graves." Jenni exited the office and took the stairs up to the penthouse.
It was a very large room with beautiful white and gold trimmed sheets. It had a large bathroom, a closet large enough for her to hide in, and a beautiful balcony. Jenni took a bath in the massive bathtub. Afterwards she laid in her bed in her silky robe. She thought hard about who she would be working with. As long as it wasn't that large black cat, Wes, she would be fine. Jenni was tired so she ordered room service, a large salad and steak. She then fell asleep at 9:00pm.