"DYING IS EASY. LIVING IS HARDER"
"Reporters from Vanguard 24 News," Omari said, shoving his fake ID card into the security guard's face.
I raised mine too—an ID card I had only put on after getting out of the car.
The security guy nodded and gestured us into the conference room. Omari and I exchanged a brief glance, then strutted in confidently. Other reporters were already seated at their designated positions, waiting for the press conference to commence in fifteen minutes.
For some reason—which I was very much aware of—our presence seemed to turn heads. Almost like we were the ones they'd been waiting for.
"They're reporters?" I heard someone whisper. "I almost stood up in respect when they walked in."
"Their aura is intimidating," his neighbor replied. "What outlet are they from?"
Though they were trying to be hush-hush, I heard them clearly.
And so did Omari, I was sure.
"You may want to tone down your aura a bit. Pretty sure everyone in this room is having the same thoughts as those two," Omari muttered beside me.
My lips twisted in a smug smirk. "Oh well," I shrugged as we settled into our seats. I glanced at the name placard on our table.
"Vanguard 24 News."
"How did you manage to get us an invite?" I finally asked—the question that had been on my mind since we arrived.
"I didn't," Omari responded, casually.
"We weren't sent an invite. The real Vanguard employees were."
"And if they show up?" I asked, raising a brow.
"They won't."
He smirked mischievously.
His confidence made me feel proud. Omari was finally taking initiative without being told to.
"So what did you do?" I asked excitedly. "Abduct them? Stage an accident? Or even better—kill them?"
He shot me a look and shook his head.
"We only kill unmistakably damned souls, remember?"
Oops. Almost forgot about that part.
"So what the hell did you do to them, Omari?" I whined, clearly curious.
Before he could respond, someone tapped the mic at the podium. A composed-looking gentleman with thick glasses stepped forward.
"Thank you all for honoring the invite on such short notice," he began. "I believe you all know how this works—you are only to ask questions related to the subject matter and the specific topic in discussion. Anything contrary will not be permitted. And there will be consequences. Understood?"
I looked around. Everyone nodded in agreement. Almost like they couldn't oppose even if they wanted to.
"Omari…" I muttered loud enough for only him.
"I see it too. Half the people here are paid dogs," he said under his breath.
The man with glasses continued. "Now that that's out of the way, the CEO will address you now."
He stepped away from the podium as Carter walked in.
The conference room was packed. Company employees. News reporters. Cameras flashing. Tension thick—perhaps only to me.
Carter stepped up to the podium, his face unreadable.
His stoic expression made me want to kill him.
And I will.
He took a long pause, surveying the room before speaking.
"We appreciate you all coming on such short notice. As many of you are aware, we lost one of our own yesterday—Mr. Juma Anderson, Administrative Assistant to the Executive Office. A valued colleague, a loyal professional, and a dear friend to many of us here."
I scoffed quietly. Aside from the not-so-favorable publicity, ol' Andy's death was definitely a plus. They lost a weak bone who knew most of the company's secrets—and they didn't even have to lift a finger.
"The circumstances of Mr. Juma's death remain under investigation," Carter continued. "Out of respect for his family and the ongoing process, we will not be taking questions related to that matter today."
So that's what glasses guy meant by "contrary."
"However… the work must continue."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Effective immediately, the Executive Board has decided to appoint a new Administrative Assistant. This role is critical to the heartbeat of this company, and we are choosing to fast-track the internal recruitment process."
I leaned in. The room shifted. Everyone was fully awake now.
"All interested internal candidates are welcome to submit their interest to HR by end of day tomorrow. Final interviews will be conducted personally by myself and select members of the Board. This decision will not be taken lightly."
He's conducting the interviews himself?
Now I have to impress the hunt if I want to get close enough to kill.
"The chosen candidate will be announced publicly next week."
He offered a tight smile. Cold. Calculated.
Cameras flashed.
The man in glasses stepped forward again, repositioning the mic.
"Any questions?" he asked, scanning the room.
I looked around. Not a single hand raised.
Of course. Since when do dogs question their masters?
I rolled my eyes.
"Since there is none, that concludes today's—"
"I have a question," I said, raising my hand.
All eyes turned to me.
Even Omari looked confused—but I couldn't reassure him because truth be told, I had no idea what the hell I was doing.
"Sure. Go ahead," Carter said.
I could see him work hard to mask his surprise.
Even after being in the room for just a few minutes, I could tell questions weren't actually wanted. Asking for questions was just a formality.
But I wanted to shake things up a little.
"Rumors have it that Mr. Anderson's murder was meant to send a message to the company. Who do you think is sending the message, and why? Do you have any rivals in mind who'd go to such lengths for a threat?"
The man with glasses went speechless for a second before regaining composure.
"Miss…"
"Anna," I supplied smoothly—my fake reporter name.
"Miss Anna of Vanguard News. I'm sure as a reporter you should know that questions are not asked based on rumors, but facts."
"It isn't purely based on rumors," I countered, voice calm. "The picaresque mounting of his head on a pole shows clearly that it was meant to send a message."
He turned to his boss, whose eyes hadn't left me since I began.
That's right, Carter. Your discomfort just began.
"We will refrain from answering any questions concerning this, as the investigation of the murder is still ongoing. Everything outside the official statement from the CEO is strictly off the record. If there aren't any other questions, we have come to the end of the conference."
And just like that, the press conference was over.
Carter walked out, his employees following closely behind.
All eyes turned to Omari and me as we gathered our things to leave.
"Vanguard has officially lost the company's trust after that stunt," one reporter whispered.
"I can't believe she was stupid enough to go against them like that, especially now. Such a beauty… without brains," another muttered.
Their side comments only amused me.
"They are right. You are one bold bitch," Omari said, flashing that charming smile of his.
"And don't you forget it," I said, leading the way toward the exit.