Chapter 5 – Spoils of War

              At the Sticks mansion.   

              Arthur Flynn, the bank manager at the Grand Royale Bank, is reporting the day’s heist to Cane.

              “How much?” I asked Arthur.

              “100 million from the bank, another 100 million from the casino, Cane,” he replied after confirming the total value of our heist.

              “And no one’s complaining?” I wanted to confirm.

              “Well, I don’t know how, but the police tied it to the organization. They still have no idea about the individuals. It was a perfect operation, Cane. This is why we need The Phantom in operations. Only he can plan something like this,” Arthur said sipping his champagne.

              I sipped my own glass feeling proud of my prodigy. It’s true no one can come close to Steffan’s expertise. From planning the tiniest details, to execution, to plan B,C,D in case something goes south, he’s just wired differently. He has the combination of brains, street knowledge, and a strong gut-feeling when he’s on the ground. But his most dangerous characteristics is that he doesn’t think twice to sacrifice anyone. If he weren’t my son, I knew he would sacrifice even me if situation would ask for it.

              “His latest recruit is top-notch. Beauty, brains, body, acting. She is perfect, I’m so envious!” Arthur blew a chef’s kiss to add effects.

But there’s something wrong with his last statement.

              “I didn’t authorize new recruitments. You know the rules. Only experienced members are qualified for operations,” I suddenly feel goosebumps at the back of my head.

Who did he involve this time?

“He called her ‘honey’. I thought it’s a code name,” Arthur tried to recall their interaction that afternoon while I tried to calm my throbbing head.

*****

The next day, I woke up with the smell of sumptuous breakfast from the kitchen. It looks like my land-lady is serious about our division of roles. Maybe I should have told her black coffee is enough.

“Good morning. Breakfast is ready. Just put everything in the dishwasher and I’ll clean up later. I have to go,” she said in a hurry. Based on her outfit, she’s job-hunting today. But I haven’t thanked her for making a scene at the bank yesterday, making our heist flawlessly successful, so I cannot allow her to leave yet.  

“Can you go to the mall with me?” I asked. “I think your boyfriend is a boy,” referring to the clothes I’m wearing which is obviously two sizes smaller than my fit. She looked at me from head to toe and I could tell she’s debating whether to accompany me or not.

“Okay, let me change first,” she said as she cancelled her appointment while going back to her room.  

*****

              The City Mall.

              Whoever said that shopping is boring must be shopping with the wrong woman.

Isn’t it such a joy to see someone try something on, feel giddy about it, twirl ten times in front of the mirror, only to give it back to the sales attendant after knowing the price?

Looks funny to me.

But the ultimate reward is to see the glow in her eyes after I told her I’d pay for it.

It’s funny how her cheeks would blush every time the attendant would mistake us as a couple. She would obviously deny it, but I would shout ‘honey’ from across the room just to see her blush again. Oh, how expressive her face was. It’s as if her thoughts were written on it.

That’s why I know she’s planning on something when she suddenly stopped in front of an eye clinic. We were having lunch when she broke the silence.

              “Do you want to have a check-up? You have the money now. Maybe after an operation you will be able to see again,” she asked full of hope.

For me.

There’s something in her voice that made me nod in agreement. It’s as if I will agree to whatever she asks at this point because I could see sincerity in her eyes.

“Will you accompany me to my check-up?” I asked.

“Of course,” she replied without hesitation.

And just like that, we are now back at the eye clinic setting up an appointment for my operation next week. Maybe I should have the ‘operation’ so I could function properly. There are times when I forget that I’m blind and it’s getting more and more difficult to pretend. If this continues on, my land-lady might caught on and ruin my plans.

We went straight home after the clinic but I intend to spend the rest of the day with her. I always believe that knowing your target is the best way to utilize them and that’s exactly what I’m doing.

“I want to show you my spot at the park. Do you have time to join me?” I asked sensing she will not refuse.   

After grabbing a picnic basket with mats, snacks, and wine, we are now seated under a huge tree with a refreshing shade. It’s not the most sanitary but it’s secluded enough to hide from prying eyes.

I could tell she’s uncomfortable by the way she scrunched up her nose but she didn’t say anything as she laid out the mat. Feeling the warmth of the soft afternoon sun and the occasional breeze, I laid on the mat and put my head on her lap. She gasped at my unbidden action but she didn’t say anything. Instead, she just stared at my face as I closed my eyes, savouring the calming moment.

When I opened my eyes, I saw her look away as if getting caught red-handed as her cheeks turned pink-blush again.

“Thanks, Colette. The air doesn’t smell so bad anymore,” I said meaningfully while grabbing her hand.

She was grabbing her knees on her chest as the wind blew her hair and the last remnants of the setting sun warms her background. She looked at me with her sweet smile and I found myself being drawn to her. Before I knew it, I was cupping her cheeks with my hands as my lips pressed against hers.

If she’s part of the spoils of war, I don’t mind claiming her.