I couldn't help but feel frustrated. "They didn't arrive on time, or you were too careless to keep everything covered?" I snapped.
She glared at me, but her fear was evident in her eyes. She knew better than to mess with me.
"It's not my fault!" She shouted defensively.
I tried to control my temper as I spoke, "You read books, right? That's why you go to the bookstore. You see how they report people. Instead, you made it so obvious, all because of money. You could've gotten it, but now you'll get nothing."
"But I provided information!" she protested.
I had no patience for this. "The woman isn't here, is she? Until she is found and taken back to her husband, you get nothing," I stated impatiently, turning to leave.
"Wait! I will find her, and that money will be mine!" she vowed.
I despised women like her, but they always seemed to be the best in my line of work. Turning back to her, I said, "Until you do, though, you've been of no help to me. I'll take my leave now. Call me when you have new information about her."
With that, I handed her one of my business cards and left, making my way to the nearest restaurant. As I ate, I pondered on my next steps. It had been a while since I last hunted, but I was confident in my abilities. Finding a deranged woman running with a child couldn't be that difficult.
I evaluated my options, considering how a woman on the run would think. If I were in her shoes, I would avoid crowded places like New York City. Instead, I would head to the provinces, quieter and more secluded.
I left the restaurant and headed to the subway station. I had a contact there, the cheapest way to leave the city undetected. I was certain the woman had taken the subway, and I was willing to bet everything I had on it.
Taking out my disposable phone, I dialed my contact's number. It connected on the third ring. "Hey, it's Xax," I groaned into the phone.
A sigh answered me. "Who are you hunting this time? Let me guess, the CIA wants to find Rocas, and they hired you?" came the bored voice.
I shook my head. "Nothing of that sort. I need you to go through the books. I'm looking for Jasamina McCully."
"The wife of Billionaire Baron!?" my contact exclaimed in shock. "Then, I can't help you. I would have seen her if she passed through here. I also have my eyes on that money, you know."
"No, you wouldn't have seen her. She's in disguise.ยด I quickly corrected him, "I'm coming there, and we'll go through the CCTV footage together. I'll know her when I see her."
With that, I turned off the phone, threw it to the ground, and smashed it to pieces. I hopped into the latest rental car I had been working with and drove off.
It was time to hunt.
. ON THE MOVE.
JASAMINA
As I opened my eyes, I felt like a brand new person. My head was clear, my mind was at ease, and there was no trace of a headache. The soreness in my arms had vanished, and my feet felt rejuvenated. I was overflowing with energy and felt so much better.
I knew that I had Tanner to thank for it. The guy had turned out to be my unexpected savior, and I was grateful for all his help. I scanned the room, but he was nowhere to be seen, and a pang of worry hit me. Had he left already?
Despite my concern, I was still thankful for what he had done for Jaimie and me. I turned my gaze to my baby, who was still soundly asleep, breathing heavily. I touched his forehead, and it wasn't as hot as before. A sigh of relief escaped me as I smiled to myself.
"Thank you, Tanner," I whispered to the empty room.
I scooped Jaimie into my arms, and he started to squirm and wiggle restlessly. He was on the verge of crying again, but I quickly freed a breast and brought it close to his lips. He latched onto it and started to suckle with vigor.
"It's a good day, Jaimie, isn't it?" I asked him with a smile, even though I knew he couldn't respond.
"This man, Tanner, is our good helper, baby. He always comes to our aid whenever we are in trouble. You can't imagine how many times he has saved us," I continued, patting his head gently.
Just then, the door opened, and Tanner walked in with a shopping bag in his hand.
My heart lifted at the sight of him. He looked freshened up, "Good morning," I greeted, turning guilty. "Or should I say good afternoon. I overslept... sorry."
"There's nothing to apologize for. I brought some food, figured you'd be hungry when you wake. You need to eat before taking any medicine," he said as he handed me the bag.
"Thank you so much,"