The Phone Call

Chapter 4

The view from Akira Valmont’s apartment was breathtaking, a glittering panorama of the city skyline stretching far into the night. The floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the dim glow of warm, ambient lighting. The space was the epitome of elegance—marble floors, a grand piano resting in one corner, and walls adorned with carefully curated art pieces. A crystal decanter of amber liquid sat on a sleek, modern bar cart, untouched.

Akira reclined in a plush leather chair behind a polished ebony desk. A single candle burnt faintly beside her, its soft flicker casting long shadows across her serene, almost angelic features. The room was quiet, save for the faint ticking of an ornate clock mounted on the wall.

She lifted her phone, dialling a number from memory. Her lips curved into a small, knowing smile as the call connected.

The gruff voice of the veteran came through almost immediately. “Yeah? What’s this about?”

“Good evening,” Akira said smoothly, her voice like silk. “I trust I’m not interrupting anything important.”

“Depends,” the veteran replied. “What do you want?”

Akira leaned back, crossing her legs gracefully. “I have a task for you. Something that requires your…particular set of skills.”

There was a pause, and then a dry chuckle. “You’ve got some nerve, calling me after the last job.”

“I don’t recall you complaining when your account was generously padded afterward,” she replied, her tone light and unbothered. “And this task will pay even better.”

The veteran grunted, unimpressed. “Let’s hear it.”

Akira tapped a few keys on her sleek tablet, sending a file to his phone. “I’ve just sent you a profile. A young man. He’s…become a loose end.”

The veteran opened the file, studying Zane’s face on the screen. He raised an eyebrow. “A kid? Really? You’re hiring me to deal with a high schooler now? What’s he done—cheat on his homework?”

Akira’s smile remained, but her voice cooled. “He’s not as ordinary as he looks. Trust me, you’ll understand once you meet him.”

The veteran leaned back in his chair, clearly sceptical. “He doesn’t look like much. You sure you’re not wasting my time?”

“I never waste time,” Akira said, her tone sharpening just enough to make her point clear. “Zane Nakamura is dangerous. You’ll see soon enough.”

He snorted. “Dangerous? That scrawny kid? You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Underestimate him, and it will cost you,” Akira replied, her voice like velvet over steel. “I chose you for this because you don’t make mistakes. Don’t start now.”

The veteran sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “If he’s so dangerous, why not take care of it yourself? You’ve got the resources.”

Akira’s expression didn’t change, but her eyes gleamed with something colder. “I prefer to delegate. Besides, I’m not in the habit of dirtying my hands when I have experts like you.”

The veteran chuckled dryly. “Well, aren’t you just the picture of civility? Fine. I’ll handle your ‘loose end.’ Just make sure the money’s good.”

“You’ll be compensated handsomely,” Akira said, her voice softening again. “But a word of advice—don’t let his appearance fool you. There’s more to him than meets the eye.”

“Yeah, yeah,” the veteran grumbled, ending the call.

Akira set the phone down gently on her desk, her fingers tracing the edge of her wine glass. She took a slow sip, her gaze drifting toward the city lights.

“More than meets the eye,” she murmured to herself, her smile growing.