38

                                    

                                          
JOSI
On Josi's next day outside, she meets up with Dami at that same Cafe. More slices of cake. More sweetened drinks. She stuffs her mouth repeatedly, seemingly unaware that she has attracted onlookers. Including Josi.
Dami becomes aware of Josi's staring and pauses mid chewing, cheeks full. "I'm sorry. Do you want some?"
Josi shakes her head no. "I'm fine. But thanks."
Dami shrugs and continues on. Clearly the desserts are as important as their reason for holding the meeting. Josi simply waits, trying to find some instance to throw in some inputs. But to do so, she would have to burst Dami's bubble of pure gusto.
"I'm sorry, I feel like I'm interrupting."
Dami swallows down more cake. "No, go ahead."
Now Josi is given the spotlight. "Rand Vero. Age sixty-two. Idris's Consigliere. Has served under the Verdonni family for the past thirty years."
Dami nods. "So what's the plan?"
"Long story short, Rand's kids were killed in a conflict, and if we make him believe Idris was the one behind it, then we win."
The assassin takes some time to consider this. A crafty plan indeed. Betrayal from those closer stings far more than just some lackey. Imagine Kasper's feat, but on a wider scale. That's the idea behind this plan. And if the odds are really in Josi's favor, then it'll all run smoothly.
Dami seems to like this plan. She tears her attention away from the cakes. "Where do I come in?"
"Rand's daughter, Annabelle," Josi reveals a brand new file. "She was twenty-one the day she died three years ago. Her nanny, Greta Alborn, currently lives in Columbus, Ohio. We need as much information on his daughter as we can get, and the best source we have is the nanny. But since I can't leave the city, you'll have to pay the nanny a visit by yourself."
"You can't leave the city?"
"No," Says Josi. "Not unless Idris says I can. And he'll want to know what I'm doing."
Dami is consumed by perplexity. "Are you sure you don't want me to kill him? I can do that. Free of charge, by the way."
But the plan for Idris does not call for his death, tempting though it may be. The most excruciating fate for a king is watching his subjects fall. One by one. Slowly and with uncertainty. All while the ability to do a thing about the issue is out of his reach, and the only action he can take is witnessing his kingdom fall. It will be worth it once that time comes. And Josi will be there every step of the way.
"Idris could die today, but the family will remain, although in shambles. But they will still remain, and over time they could heal, even without Idris himself. There's no real victory in that. I want that family completely gone."
And it will happen. Because Josi will make sure of it. She will take on any measures, so long as it grants her her wish. It can take all the time it needs before that reality comes true. Josi is prepared to wait. She's already been waiting for months now. What's a couple more?
Once their arrangement at the café is settled, the two take on a stroll down the street which has been overtaken by flower petals from the blossoming trees. All pale pink and white they are on the pavement. The pollen may prove difficult, but this part of the season always triumphs that hindrance. 
Josi hugs her coat close, as the wind has picked up in intensity. Dami, however, doesn't seem fazed, seeing as she'd opted for a short-sleeved t-shirt. She must take comfort in the weather.
"So Idris never takes his eyes off you."
"He does when he lets me leave the house." Josi tells her. "But every day else is suffocating."