She’s the Boss!

Samantha Harrington was cuddled up in blankets on a sectional couch playing scramble. The scramble tiles clacked against the board as she spelled anonymous.

“Anonymous!? Ugh you’re getting such a good start!” Holly crossed her arms in a dramatic pout under her blanket.

“Well it’s your fault for doing such a short word like mo.” Samantha chuckled as she pulled her blond hair behind her ear

“You know Samantha is the best player out of all of us. “ Melissa sat right next to Holly, “Fifteen more minutes on the cake.”

“Just because she’s the birthday girl doesn’t mean she gets to crush us every time we play scramble with her.” Holly mockingly whined wringing her hands.

“Well if you actually presented a challenge I wouldn’t always crush you.” Samantha retorted giving Holly a gentle jab in her shoulder.

A door opened from upstairs and a cheerful voice called down, “Don’t stay up too late,” footsteps accompanied the voice downstairs and her father embraced Samantha “Happy birthday!”

“Dad! You’ve already said that a million times today don’t wear it out.”

“All right,” he resigned, “but I just feel bad because I’ve got to work on your birthday. Love you sweetie. Is this the dress I picked out?” Gestured towards the lacy white dress that Samantha was wearing.”I’m glad it suits you.” He kissed her on the forehead. His face turned somber but was quickly masked by his cheery smile again.

“Dad!” Samantha groaned. Holly and Melissa snickered.

“And you!” He pointed at Melissa, “Don’t burn my house down and Holly please don’t grow a forest in here, again.”

“We got it Mr. Harrington no magic in your house. Wouldn’t want your nice non-magic daughter burned alive.” Melissa smirked. Her black lipstick matched her morbid humor.

“That’s... not what I said but if you can’t control your powers you should interpret it that way. Good night ladies. Do I smell cake? Please don’t burn it this time.”

“Oh right.” Melissa ran to the kitchen and quickly ran back. “ Ten more minutes!”

He grabbed his coat and headed for the door. Once the latch engaged Samantha let out a frustrated sigh, “Why does he still act like I’m three!”

“Calm down he’s just being a dad. I wish my father was as involved as he is with you.” Melissa replied “And as well dressed, but I don’t understand the why does he always wear gloves?” She wrinkled her eyebrows, perplexed.

“He normally would be here on your birthday right?” Holly asked ignoring Melissa.

“Yeah he almost never cancels holidays or birthdays. Something serious must be happening at his work.” Samantha mused he seemed worried.

“Well don’t be gloomy I’m gonna take the lead back.” Melissa interjected placing more tiles on the board.

“Oh no, you don’t.” Samantha sassed back. Their laughter echoed through the house.

Mr. Harrington stood outside his house for a moment observing the rain and listening to the laughter of his daughter and her friends. He smiled, “At least today isn’t entirely gloomy.” He murmured to himself flipping the collar of his coat up and walked into the rain. He had no idea how wrong he was. For at that moment a bullet sliced through his skull he fell with a thud onto the steps of the front porch.

Back inside Samantha heard a crashing sound, “What was that?”

“It’s outside.” Holly turned her head towards the front door. Samantha got up,” I’m gonna check it out.” She opened the door and froze upon seeing her father’s collapsed body. Words wouldn’t form in her mouth as she knelt down blood soaking into her lace dress to see that he was indeed dead. The only sound she could make was a deep-throated sob. Melissa looked at Holly who covering her mouth while attempting to not throw up.

“Call the police I’ll stay with her. “ Melissa hugged Samantha letting her cry on her shirt.

Holly walked back inside still gagging and frantically dialed 888. “I’d like....to report a shooting, he’s...dead.”

“Where are you?”

“414 Hickerwood drive.”

“Who’s the victim?”

“Mr. Harrington my friend’s dad!”

“We have a squad car nearby don’t worry they’ll be there soon.” Holly put her cellphone down and breathed a sigh of relief. Though she instantly regretted taking such a deep breath because the house was now filled with burnt cake smell. Her nausea spiked again and she threw up all over herself. At the same moment a black sedan sped towards the house and parked a man rushed out of it. “Mr. Harrington!”

“Atticus!” Samantha managed to sob out.

“Have you called the police?!”

“Holly has.” Melissa gestured towards the open door as Holly was throwing up.

“Miss Harrington, I know this is going to be difficult but you are going to need to listen to me.”

“Hey mister her father is dead take it easy on her.” Melissa gave him a death glare.

“Of course but as I was saying,” he was cut off by Holly.

“The police are on their way.” Holly managed to gasp out.

“Shit!” Atticus swore.

“What? I’m not supposed to call the police? My friend’s father was murdered on her doorstep! What crazy fuck are you?” Holly’s nausea was suddenly gone and replaced with fury.

“An informed fuck, we can’t trust the police.”

“Why not!?” Holly looked at him incredulously while wiping vomit from her face.

“Because 90 percent of the cops in this city are on the mayor’s payroll and who has every reason to want Mr. Harrington dead. You’d be playing into their hands”

Holly turned pale and steadied herself against the doorframe. “I can hear the sirens. I’m so sorry I didn’t know... I thought.”

“I know it can’t be helped.” He sighed.

“He could be lying for all we know. You did well Holly.” Melissa retorted her hands were sparking with purple flames.

“I believe him, we grew up together I’ve got no reason to not to. Melissa please don’t attack him.” A resolution had formed in Samantha’ azure eyes. ”I need to know what was my dad doing that got him killed?”

Atticus assured her “I will tell you, but right now we all need to get out of here.”

“But what about...” she gestured to the body.

“We’ll have to leave him for now come on. You all have to come with me.”

Samantha stood up and gestured towards Holly and Melissa to come with her. Holly ran towards the car and got in. Melissa stared at Atticus.

“I know you trust him, but I’ve got a sick feeling in my stomach...” Melissa murmured as she put the flames out. “I’m gonna stay here.”

The sirens were now visible “We’ve got to go now!” Atticus yelled and started dragging Melissa towards his car.

“Let go of me!”

“If I do you’re as good as dead so no!”

“Melissa please let’s get out of here.” Samantha begged as she pulled Melissa towards the sedan.

“I’m gonna regret this.” Melissa ceased struggling and got in the car. As Atticus slid into the driver’s side a shot rang out.

“They’re shooting at us!?” Melissa balked.

“That doesn’t matter get down.” Samantha pushed her friends down as tired squealed and bullets battered the rear window. Then suddenly the cops were no longer behind them. Samantha got up to check where they were. Everything was black except for bright lights flashing by above them. “We’re in a tunnel. How’d we get here so fast?” Atticus didn’t respond. Samantha watched the lights pass as she became lost in her confusing thoughts. This must be a nightmare a horrible nightmare. But the iron smell of her blood-drenched dress brought her back to reality. Who would want to kill my dad? He was...He was... What was he really? Who was he? Why does the mayor want him dead? Why are the cops chasing us? Her thoughts were interrupted as Atticus stopped the car. They were on the opposite side of town in front of the parking garage for an imposing skyscraper “Dad’s work, why here?” Samantha asked confused. Holly and Melissa were still silent.

“It the safest place right now.” Atticus assured her.

“Why ?”Melissa asked her suspicious gaze wandered around the garage.

“It will all be clear soon enough.” He got out of the car and let the rest of them out.

“Armored vehicles two men with guns...” Melissa stopped mid-sentence. Atticus lead them towards the two men and pulled his right glove off. They let them pass into the elevator.

“What was that about?” Melissa eyed the ungloved hand. “What is that?” She pointed towards a slowly fading symbol on the back.

“It’s not something I can explain without explaining it to Miss Harrington first.” He resumed his stoic face. The doors opened a woman was waiting for them. She gasped as she saw Samantha and the blood on her dress.

“I’ll kill him.” She muttered under her breath. “ And who are they?”

“They were with Miss Harrington when she found her father shot on his doorstep.” Atticus explained.

“So we received word of the hit too late...If we had persuaded him earlier to move here he wouldn’t be dead now.” She put her head in her hands looking defeated.

“We can’t know that for sure.” Atticus responded.

“Hold up.” Melissa put her hands in front of her as if to push something. “I’m still confused I’m sure Samantha is confused as is Holly. Can someone explain why my friend’s father was murdered? Why the police are the bad guys. Why they were shooting at us. And who is she?”

“Amanda Reinhardt, as for the rest of your questions that’s up to well someone else to tell you. Thank you Atticus for bringing them here who knows what else might have happened I’ll make sure they are taken care of can you inform everyone else of what happened?”

“Of course.” Atticus took off. Amanda lead them through a boring hallway lined with doors. Whenever they ran into someone they looked shocked or horrified. Each time Amanda said” Mr. Harrington has fallen.” After she uttered those words they sprang into action as if possessed. Eventually Amanda opened a door to what looked like a luxurious hotel room with a spacious king bed.

“I’ll grab some clothes for you since well yours are ruined. Stay in this room for now.” With that she closed the door leaving the three girls alone.

“Well I still don’t understand what’s going on. Are we really safe here?” Melissa mused.

“Just stop Melissa! I know you’re scared I am too but my father died! Not yours! I trust Atticus’s judgment. I don’t know who my father really was but I’m sure he kept it hidden to protect me.” Samantha snapped and collapsed in a chair sobbing. Melissa didn’t respond she stared at the floor and walked towards the opposite end of the room. Holly sat on the bed and looked at the both of them. Samantha had every reason to be so harsh but this was unlike Melissa. Unsure if her words would help our hinder she took a deep breath and spoke anyway.

“Like you said Samantha she’s just scared I am too. I mean what if one of us is next? I know you trust Atticus but we don’t know him. All of our lives we’ve been told to trust our police officers, our mayor, our government. Now that’s all turned upside down. Let Melissa process this. And Melissa let Samantha grieve she’s not to blame for her father’s death so stop acting like it.” Her words were cut off as Amanda came back.

“We have quite the wardrobe normally I’d just let you choose but I’d have to explain some things which aren’t my job to explain so here.” She placed several black slacks on the bed, several expensive blouses, and three black jackets much like what Mr. Harrington usually wore.

Under normal circumstances the girls would all look at the clothes in horror, since none really fit their taste but they were not blood or vomit stained so they didn’t complain. Ready to get out of the dress which earlier that day she’d been so excited to try on, Samantha hurriedly grabbed something and went into the bathroom and turned the shower on.

“She’s probably going to take a while.” Holly began to look through the clothes.

“I normally would direct you to another room but I can’t so you’ll have to wait,” Amanda said as we closed the door.

“Did she lock it?” Melissa went to the door and checked it. It was open but a man was outside the door.

“Sorry but I was told to make sure you don’t leave this room.” He grunted.

Melissa closed the door. “We’re trapped!”

“It seems like it.” Holly agreed.

“I’m sorry for being a jerk back there but I’m actually shocked Samantha going along with whatever this is.” Melissa put her head in her hands.

“ I know I’m shocked as well.”

Samantha stared at the bloody dress recalling that morning. She had been at the breakfast table drinking coffee. Her dad rushed into the kitchen holding a white parcel with a beautifully tied red bow.

“Happy birthday Samantha! I have a gift for you although my secretary wrapped. I picked it out.”

Samantha slowly unfolded the paper to reveal the lacey shift dress. It was soft and delicate clearly expensive, and exactly her style. Her father was always good at picking clothes for her.

“I love it I’ll show it off to the girls later.” She smiled and gave her father a hug. But the memory was just that a memory now the dress was soaked in blood and her father was dead. She got into the shower and slid onto the tile crying. The water made her feel mildly better, but she still couldn’t relax. She quickly cleaned herself up and got dressed. The outfit she chose actually wasn’t too bad the slacks were a nice dressy material and blouse was a satin button up. Although it did have the effect of making her look like a hostess. She didn’t care though. She got out of the bathroom and sat on the bed ignoring her friends. Amanda opened the door as Holly went into the bathroom.

“Good you’re dressed Samantha come with me you will have to do this alone. I promise your friends will be fine.” Melissa’s face wrinkled in worry, but she didn’t say anything.

“What is it?”

“You’ll see.”

Samantha followed Amanda through a maze of halls and corridors until they entered a cavernous room decorated in reds and blacks, a window made up one of the walls and provided the light. A chandelier hung in the center above a long table carved out of a dark cherry wood. A book ancient yet remarkably well-aged was at the head of it.

“What’s this?” She picked up the book gold lettering suddenly shone on the cover. It read “Keeper of Blood Magic”. She dropped the book in surprise the lettering faded.

“Blood magic but isn’t that banned?”

“Yes your father was born with the gift as were you.”

“But I tested as a non-magic!”

“That was a lie to keep you safe. You are a blood mage. This is part of the reason your father was murdered.”

“Part?”

“The other reason is your father is, was, head of the gifted mafia.”

“How could my father have hidden this from me?” She ran her hands through her hair.

“He was going to tell you on your eighteenth birthday but... he told us if he was to die before he could tell you we were to take you under our wing. You also are now technically the new boss.”

“Wait what!?” Samantha puckered her face as if she had eaten something sour. “I’m the...boss?”

“Yes when your father established the gifted Mafia he set a rule that the next boss would have to blood related or he would designate the next boss in a will. He never designated another boss he decided training you was the best decision.”

“But what if I don’t want to be the boss? And what do you mean by training?”

“If you don’t wish to be the boss you can give the position to an executive but that must be approved by your second in command Atticus.”

“Atticus is my second in command?”

“Yes your father recently gave him the position last year.”

“He’s only four years older than me, how long has he been involved in this mafia?”

“That’s a question for you to ask him.”

“Well then where is he?”

“Right here.” He appeared behind her, “Amanda I thought we agreed I’d tell her.” He looked exasperated.

“I’m sorry I just didn’t want to leave here without knowing the truth for too long. “ She looked sullen.

“ I understand we were told to take her under our wing. You doing just that. You know it’s been a traumatic day for Samantha and even us how about we finish this story tomorrow?”

“I think that’s wise.” Amanda conceded.

“I have two questions I’d like you to answer before I go back to my friends actually three. One how long will they be stuck here? Two can I tell them this? Three what kind of mages are you guys?”

“You’re friends will be taken back home tomorrow.”

“Good.” The stress she held in her face was lighter now

“ If I recall correctly your friends were staying the night so they won’t be missed tonight?”

“Yeah their parents wouldn’t start worrying till late tomorrow.”

“Good. Although we will only be able to do that if it’s safe to do so.”

“Can I tell them why they’re being kept here?”

“You may tell them but that would mean recruiting them into the mafia.”

“Why?”

“Otherwise they’d be in danger. Our enemies would rather have no one know of what happened to Mr. Harrington especially nosy civilians.”

“So they’d be safe if they joined the gifted mafia?”

“Depends on what you consider safe.”

“That’s not an answer.”

I’m a lighting mage Amanda isn’t a mage she’s non-magic but her supporting skills are critical for our success. Did you ever wonder why a non-magic was allowed in a school for mages?”

“Now that you mention it no.”

“What you learned there was critical towards your training. Now I’m willing to answer more questions but if you wish you can rest now.”

“Okay one more question. Why can’t my friends leave the room?”

“Since they are not members they risk seeing our secrets which again would endanger them. Everything they’ve seen so far could mean anything.”

Samantha still had several questions but the stress of the past few hours was getting to her and not mention the fact that it was two in the morning. She was exhausted so she followed Amanda back through the maze of halls to the room where her friends were pacing the floor.

“Samantha you’re okay!” They chimed in unison.

“Of course I’m okay! You’ll be taken home in the morning let’s just get some sleep.”

“Hold up. You’re not getting out of telling us what’s going on.” Melissa disagreed.

“If I tell you you’ll not be able to walk away from what happened or this place or the people here, hearing the story is a commitment to something that will drastically change your life.”

“ I want to know what’s been hidden from me.” Melissa relented, “Holly and I talked we’re beginning to see what Atticus meant. I just wish I’d known about it whatever it is sooner.”

“I’m gonna have to go with Melissa on this one tell us something. We’ll handle the consequences of knowing it. We’re your friends.”

“Well this is all I will tell you for now. I’m a blood mage I just found out myself.”

Their stunned silence lasted for over a minute then Melissa broke the silence, “That wasn’t what I was expecting...but that doesn’t rule out what I was expecting.”

“I’m sure she has more to tell us but we’re all exhausted. Let’s try to get some sleep.” Holly yawned. They piled on the king bed exhausted and fell into an anxious sleep.