At the top of the building on 32nd St., Caroline looked through her scope to keep an eye on the siblings. At first glance, there was nothing special about them. They could pass for any duo of siblings. But these two had pissed off the wrong person.
Now, Caroline was here to take care of them. Not that Caroline had loyalty to anyone other than the highest bidder - she was a freelancer.
While you can't exactly list enforcer, eliminator, assassin, or contract killer on your taxes, Caroline had a legitimate sub-business that kept everything aboveboard. While she could be looking at the siblings through the scope of her rifle, she currently had her handy-dandy Canon camera in her palm.
Her first shot of the brothers was digital. Caroline had a system. First, she received the name of the target, then she scoped them out and took a photo of the target. From there, she went to Bonnie to confirm there was no supernatural hanky-panky. Then she would provide the price (based on a variety of factors including location, access difficulty, and timeline).
In the next 12-24 hours, the client needed to confirm the target identity and pay one-third of the price upfront. There might be some negotiation on the price, but once it was decided on, Caroline would remove the target in the next 24 hours. Finally, she would deliver an incredibly stunning photograph (and separate proof of death) to the buyer. The actual exchange of the photographs allowed Caroline to avoid any issues with the IRS.
While almost all of Caroline's jobs were among the normal variety, about 20% were special cases that were extremely lucrative. In her experience, Caroline had only one client who didn't know the target was a werewolf, but they agreed to the extra pricing. So, Caroline took them out without informing the client of the target's current species.
Listen, Caroline didn't discriminate. Everything has to die at some point. Though a few may have found loopholes to extend their life, they're only delaying the inevitable.
Packing up her equipment, it was time for Caroline to visit Bonnie's plant nursery - a modern-day apothecary to those who knew what to look for inside it. Bonnie was different from other witches. Where others required calling on their ancestors for guidance, spells, rituals, and, even power, Bonnie had an innate sense for magic. But that knowledge was limited to very few. Caroline knew that Bonnie presented as a very weak practitioner to her clients.
Fortunately, Caroline grew up with Bonnie the powerhouse. Right as Bonnie started to learn about her powers and try to start controlling them in high school, Caroline's dad reentered the picture. He started to teach her about the supernatural and trained her in hunting them. Soaking it all up, Caroline used Bonnie as a check-in to see what biases her dad tried to impart to her. Spoiler alert, there were an incredible amount of stereotypes. Caroline took the lessons and then ignored the Forbes tradition.
"Bonnie, I have a pair of brothers for you!" Caroline called out as she entered, not even bothering to moderate her volume. Bonnie could be anywhere in the store. Yelling was the most efficient way to find her.
"One second, Caroline. I'll be right with you." Bonnie was behind the desk talking with a blond-haired man. He was facing away from her, but Caroline could see that he was lithe in the best way. Unfortunately, Bonnie's tone indicated this was an important supernatural customer.
Barely catching the "Mr. N," before Caroline turned away, she started wandering the essential oils part of the store.
As she neared the register to see Bonnie's soaps, Caroline heard a smooth, British accent from the man. "Thank you for your discretion, Ms. Bennet," He said as he stepped away from the desk. His eyes briefly flicked up to meet Caroline's. Oh man, those eyes were gorgeous.
"Let's see these brothers," Bonnie said with a tired smile. While Caroline would like to ask about the man - she knew it would just annoy Bonnie.
"Here you go," Caroline handed over individual photos for Damon and Stefan.
Bonnie took the photo of Damon into her right hand. Closing her eyes to center herself, Bonnie breathed deeply to get a sense of his aura. "Vampire," she breathed out.
"What are the odds that the brother is human?" Caroline joked.
"Not good, but let me confirm." Bonnie smiled. She switched the photo she was holding.
"Of course," Caroline said.
"Vampire 2.0," Bonnie said.
"Great! Okay, I should still have all the needed supplies on hand. I'll make sure you get the 'props' commission for my next shoot." Caroline said.
"All good!" Bonnie said. "But before you go, you should know that things are picking up."
"Anything for us to worry about?" Caroline asked.
"I'm not sure, yet. But I'll keep you updated." Bonnie said.
"Alright. I'll be extra careful. But I'm going to take care of this." Caroline said as she picked up the photos.
"Sounds good," Bonnie replied.
Caroline followed up with her new 'client' and sent through the updated price, taking into account that the brothers were supernatural. While she expected to have to negotiate - people were willing to haggle about anything - the 30% deposit was sent to her account immediately. Well, okay then. Caroline would handle it the next day.
Allegedly the brothers were in town until the end of the week, but Caroline saw no reason to delay the inevitable. Today was as good a day for the brothers to die as any other.
For vampires, Caroline started her process with vervain. She had to be prepared for anything. From there, Caroline picked out special stakes to handle them, oak for Damon, and pine for Stefan. She kept to her normal process.
Caroline snuck into the hotel where they were staying and quickly discovered that they were keeping up appearances by eating breakfast at the hotel. This made things easier.
Sneaking in the special blend from her family's recipe, Caroline added the poison to their food. It wouldn't kill them and burn out their bodies in half an hour. The poison wouldn't kill them. But it would temporarily take away their strength and speed.
Now that the brothers were sitting ducks at the breakfast table, Caroline approached them and manhandled them into her car. Once there, she "killed" them. A broken neck wouldn't keep vampires down for long. Though it would last until she reached her destination - a storage locker on the outskirts of the city.
Chaining them up to chairs, Caroline loaded the crossbow with the pine stake and aimed it at Stefan's heart. Without hesitation, she let it fly. In short order, she had reloaded the crossbow and shot it at Damon's heart.
Taking photographic evidence, Caroline set about removing their limbs and placing them in different bags for separate burial grounds.
Honestly, this was one of her easier jobs. Providing proof to her client, Caroline received the rest of the money.
Unfortunately - it may have felt like it was too easy because it was. A week after the brothers' deaths, two separate women came knocking - not on Caroline's door of course. But, independently of each other, they each found the burial sites of a brother. One chasing the remains of Stefan and the other chasing the remains of Damon.
Neither woman went to the police or publicized their searches. But Caroline had a fail-safe to her business - technology. Each of Caroline's burial sites was under video surveillance. While it was unlikely that the women would find Caroline, she had to cover her bases. Converting the surveillance footage into photos, it was time for another trip to Bonnie's.
Bonnie was back at the counter with the gorgeous blond man when Caroline walked in. She knew how secretive Bonnie could be with her customers - she appreciated the secrecy in their work together as well.
Five minutes later, Bonnie called her over. Caroline met Mr. N's eyes as he walked toward the door. Giving him a once-over, Caroline smirked at him.
"Don't even think about it," Bonnie said.
"What? Is the handsome man taken? I didn't see a ring."
"More like he's beyond supernatural. You know better than to mess with Originals." Bonnie said with a shiver.
"I didn't know the Originals looked like that."
"For good reason," Bonnie muttered. "What did you need?"
"I have two women digging into some brothers." Caroline said.
"The ones who left town?" Bonnie asked.
"Yes, but separately. I'm not sure yet if that's a good thing or a bad thing yet." Caroline set the grainy photos on the table.
Bonnie started with the brunette. She immediately gasped on touching the photo - Bonnie must know her.
"Elena. She's a vampire, and she's looking for Damon. Or she was."
"Elena - as in high school Elena - the one whose parents drowned junior year and disappeared?" Caroline asked.
"Yes, it's her. I'm sure of it. But, she isn't upset at Damon's death. She seems happy. You may be able to avoid dealing with her unless she sticks around. She isn't looking for revenge though. I'm getting the sense she wanted proof."
Caroline released a breath. One bullet dodged. "And the other woman?" Caroline asked.
Bonnie switched the photos in her hands. "Original," Bonnie breathed out.
"What is the likelihood your Original and mine are here for different reasons?"
"Actually, it's very likely. Plus, he's not my Original. I can't give you any details yet. Let me get it cleared with him. More knowledge is better than less. So, let me float it by him."
"Okay, I'll wait for an update from you before I do anything," Caroline promised.
"Good, I'll see you later," Bonnie said.
"Bye!" Caroline called out.
When Caroline stepped outside, Mr. Original was leaning against her car.
"On second thought," Caroline muttered.
He raised his eyebrows. Caroline realized that he'd heard her. Oh right, vampires, plus - he was the equivalent of a vampire on steroids.
"Hello, Caroline." He said in an intoxicating British accent.
"Hi there. Can I borrow you?" Caroline asked quickly.
"Borrow my? Why, of course." He replied with an amused smirk. Between one blink and the next, he was suddenly in front of her.
She shook her head. "Great! Let's head back inside." She turned back toward the door and led him inside.
He moved again and suddenly, he held the door open for her. "After you, love."
"Bonnie! I lied! Let's kill two birds with one stone."
"Am I the bird or the stone in that analogy?"
"Um, neither. Not everything's about you." Caroline said. Her default response to arrogance is to gaslight.
"I can tell you're lying. I'll let it slide this once." He said, raising his hand to run a finger from her temple to her chin.
"What's going on?" Bonnie asked, her eyes darted back and forth between Caroline and the Original.
"Someone was waiting for me outside," Caroline said.
"Mr. N, are you aware of where your sister is and what she is doing?" Bonnie asked.
His eyes flashed in surprise. Caroline had to bite her tongue to keep from saying anything. She'd like to jump in, but this Mr. N was Bonnie's customer.
As if Bonnie was reading her mind, she tilted her head in a "Go ahead," fashion.
"Do you know who I am and what I do?" Caroline asked.
"Has someone tried to target Rebekah?" He bit out angrily.
"No! No, no, no, this is something else. Well, someone else, or a former someone else you could say."
"Caroline!" Bonnie interrupted. "Get to the point."
"Right, well, we caught Rebekah digging up a recently handled target," Caroline said.
"Ah." He seemed much calmer. "Let me guess, tall, dark and human?" Mr. N said.
"Well, two out of three isn't bad. He and his brother were vampires."
"His brother? Stop playing coy, what are their names?" Mr. N demanded.
"Stefan and Damon Salvatore," Caroline said.
"That changes the board a bit." Mr. N turned toward Bonnie. "Did you know about this?" He asked Bonnie.
"I knew they were brothers and they were vampires. I didn't know their names. I'm not sure I understand their significance in what is happening." Bonnie admitted.
"I see." Mr. N said. Then he turned back to Caroline. "And, you?"
"No, Bonnie has been discreet. I don't know anything about you other than that you are an Original and named Mr. N."
"I'd never say anything without your permission." Bonnie chimed in quickly.
"Well, fortunately, I was planning to bring Caroline into the loop anyway. A pity that Rebekah will have a problem with you right off the bat. But you've done me a favor by removing the Salvatores this early. And, please call me Klaus." He said to Caroline.
"Bring me in?" Caroline asked. "I don't mean to be rude. But you know that I'm human, right? This is a classic case of anything I can do, you can do better. What could I do to help you?"
"I think you have that phrase backward," Bonnie muttered. Caroline sent her a quick quelling look.
"Yes, but I can't be everywhere at once. I've been experimenting with delegation this century. Plus, you're not known to be associated with me."
"Not to be annoying, but are you sure that you want me, Mr. N?" Caroline started.
"Klaus, please." He cut her off with the correction.
"I'll leave you two to it," Bonnie muttered and made a quick escape.
"I'm sorry?" Caroline and Klaus didn't notice.
"No need to be sorry, love. But you can call me Klaus. We haven't been properly introduced. I'd like for you to call me by my name."
"Okay, I just want to confirm you knew that I was human."
"I'm very aware. Where would you rate the Salvatore brothers on level of difficulty in terms of other jobs you've done?"
"On a scale of one to ten?" She asked sarcastically.
"If you'd like," He drawled.
"Maybe a three out of ten? I bumped it up because they were vampires." Caroline said.
"So either the brothers have been slipping in recent years - which is a possibility - or you are very very very good." When Caroline opened her mouth to interrupt, Klaus held up a hand to stop her. "No, I know what I'm talking about. They used to be my enforcers until my mother converted them. They switched their loyalties."
"Your mother? Can Originals have a mother?" Caroline couldn't stop herself from asking.
"Yes," He had an indulgent smile on his face.
"Listen, I can try to help, but I'm most effective in small quantities. Got a group of targets less than three? I'm your woman. Vampire, werewolf or witch? I can help. Hell, I could probably even handle a hybrid if they turn out not to be just rumors. But again, I work with a small set of targets at a time."
Klaus' smile widened at the mention of hybrids. Despite how attracted she was to this man, his smile spelled bad things for the future.
"Well, fortunately, I only have two targets for you to help with. But first, you'll need to meet Rebekah and bury the hatchet. She's supposed to be over Stefan already anyway." His smile disappeared at the name Stefan.
"Okay, so as you're an Original, does this mean you're going to flaunt my normal processes and procedures?"
"I'd be more than happy to follow your protocol to the letter. What is the traditional first step?" Klaus asked.
Caroline launched into a spiel on her standard operating procedure. Klaus paid rapt attention to her. He nodded at all the right places and maintained eye contact. His full attention was intoxicating. She was in trouble.
"Any questions?" She asked.
"Not at the moment regarding your process. But regarding your personal life, I have a few." Klaus said.
"I'm single. I'm free for dinner tonight. Let's meet at Carpaccio's at 7:30 p.m. You'll have to make a reservation and pick up the bill. Anything else?" Caroline tested the waters. How Klaus responded to her being direct and specific would let her know whether this was worth pursuing.
"I'd expect nothing less. See you tonight for dinner." Crap, his arrogance didn't falter once.
"Wait shouldn't we exchange numbers?" Caroline asked.
"I've already texted you, love. See you tonight." Klaus said and then disappeared.
"Bye, Bonnie!" Caroline called out hoping she'd be heard and left again. She smiled. She had a date to get ready for tonight.
The End