A Disruptance

“Drop it,” a soft voice breathed into Arwin’s ear. “I know what you’re trying to do, but it’s not going to work.” She jerked slightly but refrained from turning around, controlling her expression to maintain a facade of indifference.

“Who-,” she started.

“The name is August.”

I know, thought Arwin as she dug her dull fingernails into the palm of her hand.

“I know you.”

“I’m flattered,” returned August. “Now why don’t we put down the hammer, and talk.”

“I have my reasons,” Arwin said smoothly, as if she hadn't been caught with incriminating evidence by the most well-connected boy in the entire state.

Trying to destroy his art piece, no less. The dimly lit room, which only highlighted the massive painting that she had been seconds away from smashing wasn't of much help either.

He stayed behind her, his lips a hair's breadth away from her ear.

"Might I have an explanation," he murmured, "To why you were trying to destroy my painting?" he asked, causing Arwin's breathe to catch.

Enough of this. She took a step forward, her heel clacking on the tiled floor, and spun around, facing August head on. She surveyed him, her eyes flicking up and down in a disinterested way. Then she smirked.

"My, my. Quite arrogant aren't we? It is rude," Arwin crooned, "To assume things."

"Are you saying I'm wrong?" asked August dubiously.

"Not wrong, persay, Mr. Grante, but perhaps just misunderstanding the situation."

"You know my last name."

Of course I do, thought Arwin. It's my job.

"Well, considering that you are the governor's son, it would be a shame not to know."

"Ah-right" he said, his cheeks coloring.

How cute, Arwin thought. Did he think I had some kind of interest in him? He's surprisingly innocent, noted Arwin. It would be fun to stay and tease him for a while, but it looks like I'll have to go soon.

"Well I enjoyed talking to you, but it appears that I'm running out of time", said Arwin tucking the hammer underneath her armpit and glancing cooly at her watch. "I hope you have a good evening sir."

"Just where...do you think you're going?"

"Well, I have neither destroyed anything, nor have you found me doing any criminal activity," she paused, and surveyed his face, which was tight but sparked with understanding. "I believe you are not stupid enough, Mr. Grante, to detain me for no reason."

"I understand," said August courteously, his smile not quite reaching his eyes.

Arwin smiled back, and reached up to clap his shoulder, her behavior like one of a much older adult, contrasting to her youthful appearance. Shooting him one last cold smile, she strode past him, and a mixed scent of bitter almond and expresso tinged with a hint of gunpowder wafted past him. He would not forget that scent for years, even as he passed well into his 30s, 40s, 50s, and forever on.

It was after the girl disappeared he realized that her heels had made no sound on the cold tile floor.

Arwin melted into the shadows.

"Target has been sucessfully delayed."

A pause.

"Good. Commencing sniper's orders for the assasination of Governor Grante in 30 seconds."