To Be Dealt With

     "How was he dealt with?" The light of the cigarette tip strengthened, and the man in the dark silk shirt exhaled in a pale, billowing cloud. 

    "He escaped, sir. Grenades and flash bombs were planted in preparation for him severing ties."

    "He planned well." The man was silent, and cigarette embers were tapped into an ashtray. 

    The subordinate in front of him didn't say anything more, only waited for orders. 

    Another tap on the ashtray, and the man in the silk shirt gave them. "You are no longer in charge of this assignment. Nanami will handle this stray."

    "Yes sir." 

    "Please send her in on your way out." 

    The other man looked up, visibly pale, but said nothing; only turned on his heel and left the room. 

    A few minutes later a short girl with hot pink eye shadow walked into the room and seated herself on the desk, leaning back nonchalantly. 

    She wore a short black schoolgirl skirt and black and white checkered barrettes in her bleached-blonde bob, with a glittering ring gracing one side of her nose. Tattoos of off-putting sketches decorated her arms, and leather suspenders ran over the front of her sleeveless collared shirt. Her eyes ran over the walls, taking in the dim room. 

    "He wasn't cut?" The man asked.

    "No." 

    "Or shot?"

    "No. You would have heard that."

    "Only making sure." He inhaled, and exhaled slowly. "There is someone I would like you to take care of."

    "Nice. Someone I know?" She twirled a piece of hair around her finger.

    "It's possible that you've met him, but I don't believe so. He defected last night, and escaped. I would like you to deal with that."

    "You got it." She slid off the desk and walked towards the door. 

    "And Nanami," he leaned forward.

    She turned and looked back. She hadn't looked him in the face since she sat down.

    "No games. I would like this to be clean."

    She sighed, expression unchanging. "You're no fun." 

    The door closed behind her, leaving only the dim light of the lamp on the desk.