Smack Smack

My eyes were intensely trained on the punching bag in front of me. I imagined the different parts of a human each and every time my fist collided with it. I then switched it up and began kicking it. I stopped my training when I heard the buzz from my phone.

I unwrapped the gauze from my hands as I walked over to the beach. I drank some water before picking up my phone. It was a text from a private number: VN43. I knew from experience that it was Matt telling me that my vacation was over and that I had to arrive within 43 hours. To be fair, he did give me a whole two months of freedom. He must've felt extremely generous after I took down that guy. I mean, it took them 5 years to get some kind of information from him while it only took me four months to take down his empire.

I texted Matt back with the appropriate code before leaving for my apartment. I took a shower and then went to change. I don't know why Matt gave me 43 hours to arrive when he knew that I was in D.C. and had to return right away. It was a short commute to the building.

I walked into Matt's office to see a single folder on his desk. He grinned when he saw me and handed the file to me. I took it and scanned it as he began speaking.

"Cobalt Enterprise is a conglomerate group of software and biotech companies. Apart from being a part of big pharma..." I cracked a smile at Matt's joke. "There have been questionable activities with money laundering. The tax reports come back clean, but the business partners they're involved with are questionable. Also, there has been evidence of them funneling ammunition and weapons to gangs."

"You want me to infiltrate the CEO?" I closed the file.

"Ideally, yes. But, they're smart and it's not that easy. None of the higher ups are allowing anyone near them with a 10 foot pole. The closest thing we could find is making you a consultant for the detective unit." I opened my eyes wide. Never has any of my undercover jobs involved law enforcement. "I know, but they're under major investigation by the police department, so it would only be befitting for you to pose as one."

"I'll also need to gain the trust of the department." I stated, causing Matt to nod.

"You are to pass the check and introduce yourself as a consultant to the engineering manager. He's a senior level employee that will show you around and inform you about everything that happens. You'll be able to follow him around and gain an understanding about his role. Then, you can see if there's any weapon manufacturing that's illegal."

"I'm sorry, it's just weird. Going undercover with the target openly knowing that I'm investigating him." I chuckled without humor.

"It makes it easier knowing that you don't have to lie about that. Doesn't it?" He smirked. "I guess the key thing you will be lying about is your name. From here on, you are Nicole Webster. Oh, and the company is in Maryland so you don't have to travel far. You start work at the department tomorrow. Rest up." He clapped my shoulder.

Uh, this is going to be a long day.

X

I went inside the department and asked the secretary where Jelena Nora was. She gave me the instructions with a bright smile on her face. I gave her a small smile and made my way to my "new boss."

I entered the area to see a blonde and three brunettes. The blond introduced herself at Jelena, the two girls were Taylor and Kendall, and the boy was Harry. They gave me a brief rundown about the investigation on Cobalt Enterprise.

I nodded along, even when they missed key details. For them, the only thing they were investigating was tax evasion and other white collar crime. I was actually secretly investigating the fun stuff. I easily impressed them with the knowledge of the company. What can I say? I'm a genius hacker and have a knack for physics.

"That desperate that you had to bring help?" We turned to see a condescending woman with dark hair.

"We aren't that arrogant to think that we don't need help." Jelena stood up and crossed her arms. "How's it looking on your end?! She asked with an edge to her voice.

"We'll crack the case before you do." She walked away.

"That's Spencer. Her group is our rival." Taylor briefly explained. "Because it's been hard to get anything to use against the company, two groups have been assigned to run their own investigation. So far though, neither of us have been able to produce something useful." She sighed.

Huh, so the company is that good at keeping their business dealings on the down low. I wasn't expecting that. Usually, there's at least one loose hair within companies, whether that's an incompetent manager or disgruntled employee. Based on the fact that they don't know about the other illegal dealings, this company is very close knit when it comes to the top.

"Ready to consult with the big guns?" Harry chuckled.

"Yea, it's Michael Tanner. I'll be shadowing him-"

"Nope, change of plans." I arched my brow at Jelena. "We aren't going to waste time following around a low level employee. We're going straight to the top." She slapped her hands on the desk. "We're meeting with the CEO." She motioned for me and Taylor to follow her.

This isn't good. Jelena changing up the tactic has screwed with my plan. I was to follow Michael and take a mental note of restricted areas. That way I would know where to sneak into when I'd break in at night. Now, due to Jelena's impulsiveness and frustration towards Spencer, she's thrown a major wrench in my plans.

The walk to the futuristic building wasn't far. I gazed up in awe at the glass building that for sure was powered with green energy. The place just screamed environmental energy and sustainability. We walked through the sliding doors straight towards the security.

Jelena wordlessly flashed a badge at the guards. They hummed and then ushered us through the metal detectors. Before we could make it to the elevators, a man with short black hair met us. He looked like he was a part of a Kpop group with his delicate looks and fluid movement.

He made eye contact with us before pressing the elevator button. He stepped in, resulting in us following. He swiped his badge before hitting one of the top floors. Based on the scene occurring before me, this isn't the first time Jelena and her group have been here.

I noticed out the corner of my eye, the mysterious man eyeing me with curiosity. He swiftly averted his gaze when the corner of my eye met with the corner of his. I was surprised he noticed that. Most people had no idea when I was secretly watching them. And based on his body language, the same was true for him.

The elevator dinged, signaling we arrived. The man guided us past a see through conference room and to a black door. He opened it and motioned for us to enter.

Inside the room sat three people. I noticed there were four chairs, but only three people sitting. One of them asked for Taemin, I now knew our guide's name, to bring three seats. I assume he was an assistant since he was given such a menial task. He arrived back with the seats in less than ten seconds. I have no idea how he moved so fast and carried the chairs that appeared to weigh 20lbs each.

The woman, who appeared to be in charge, had straight jet black hair. It was let down and probably ended at her mid back. Her blue pant suit fitted her curves perfectly. Her green eyes pierced through all of us. I had to control myself and not shiver under her intense gaze. I'm assuming she's the CEO based on the authoritative aura she exudes.

To the CEO's right sat a young man. He couldn't be more than 25, actually, all of them looked fairly young. Even the CEO looked like she hadn't even hit 30. The man had short brown hair that was lazily styled, but looked hot on him. He was wearing a gray three piece suit. He sat back and drummed his fingers against the desk as he gazed at us in utter annoyance and inconvenience.

To the left of the CEO sat a woman with shoulder length blond hair. She was in a black skirt and sleeveless, white blouse. Her features were sharp and her blue eyes took us all in. She raised a brow. Not in curiosity, but in amusement. It was like she knew what we were here for and found enjoyment that we would leave with nothing.

Overall, everyone one of them was stunning. Like drop dead gorgeous. They had an ethereal, other worldly type of vibe and beauty. It was hard to believe humans could be this beautiful.

We sat down in the seats provided to us by Taemin. Jelena sat in the middle, I to her left and Taylor to her right. The green eyed monster stared daggers at Jelena.

"What do you want?" I heard a mixture of a French- Irish accent in her voice. "You've wasted enough of our time, yet you have the nerve to show up unannounced." The woman was pissed.

"Well, you know we're doing an investigation into your company, so you should expect us to show up whenever we desire." Jelena smugly responded.

"Any news on your investigation?" The blond's eyes crinkled in amusement. I detected a faint Irish accent that had a hint of Frenchness to it.

"We are not obligated to inform you of our progress."

"That means 'no.' They haven't found anything." The man stated with a French accent.

"Well, if you have nothing, then I suggest you leave. I do not like my time being abused." The leader sharply stated. I held in a flinch at her icy tone.

"You are so close to going to jail. Instead of being difficult, I suggest you assist in our investigation." Jelena started. "Especially, if you have nothing to hide."

"I suggest we bring in our lawyer if this is going to turn into an interrogation." The man stated.

"No need, Mr. SangPure." Jelena listed. "I'm sure you and Mrs. SangPure would agree that this doesn't constitute for legal involvement." The green eyed CEO's muscles tightened the longer she listened to Jelena.

So I'm assuming that the CEO and the man are married. I mean they have the same last name and the same intimidating aura.

"I'm here to enlighten you about what will be happening. Not asking, but telling you. Since you are aware of the investigation and have nothing to hide, you will be motioned 24/7." The blond shifted in her seat, clearly annoyed by this meeting now. All amusement had fallen from her shoulders.

"Are we not already? We are living in the 21st century with all these security cameras." The blond absentmindedly waved her hand around. "We aren't in the Middle Ages anymore. Everyone can be stalked by the click of a button." She smirked.

"I'm glad to have you fully onboard because the person who will be monitoring you up close is Nicole." Say what now?!

Three pairs of eyes shifted when Jelena pointed at me. What the hell?! How am I supposed to stay under the radar when she pushed me right under their noses?! Green eyes and the man narrowed their eyes at me.

"Since you are the top executives at the company... who shall she be tagged to? The CEO?" Jelena looked at green eyes. "The COO?" She looked at the man. "The CFO?" She stared at the blond. "Who will it be? The CEO, the COO, the CFO-"

"What about the CTO?"