Page 103 of Morally Corrupt

"You'd be surprised by how the staff gossip. Especially in households like this."

"Okay. Sounds good," Bianca agrees, but then suddenly asks, "They'll search us for weapons, no?"

"Yes, they will. Likely metal detectors too," Vlad replies, and Bianca purses her lips.

"What type of bugs do you have?"

"Non-metal," Vlad smiles sheepishly, and I chuckle.

"Can I borrow your 3D printer? I need at least a pistol."

"Take an obsidian blade. That should pass muster."

Bianca scoffs at this. "You know I don't like blades."

"You do when you must." The back and forth between the two of them makes me feel like an outsider. I also cannot help but notice how different Bianca is. She exudes a serenity that she didn't have before. She's also forward and bold.

Is this the real her?

"What about him?" she suddenly asks and points at Marcel. "He's not coming, is he?"

"No, I'm not," Marcel replies.

"Then what is he doing here?"

"He's mytrustedfriend." I emphasize trusted to let her know precisely what she's lost. She doesn't seem to react, though, andIend up being the one annoyed.

We finalize the plans, and Marcel and I turn to leave. I see Bianca look at me with an indescribable expression on her face. I shake myself and force myself to disregard it.

Later, when we're in the car, Marcel mentions the visible tension between Bianca and me.

"Did it go how you would have expected?" he asks, and I have to think for a few seconds.

"Yes, and no. Yes, because I realize I don't knowthisBianca at all. Who would have imagined that I would be pouring over blueprints with my wife, planning to install listening devices in an Italian mob boss' home? No, because even knowing what I know, I can't help but still feel drawn to her."

"She is completely different. I think it's mostly her countenance and her voice. She no longer has that upspeak that always made her look insecure."

"You're right now that you mention it. The cadence of her voice is completely different. Also, emotionless."

"Really?" Marcel gives me a side look. "I thought there was enough emotion in her when she jumped on you."

"Did you even hear what she was saying? She was romanticizing killing. What does she think? We can suddenly become Mr. and Mrs. Smith?" I ask almost absentmindedly, but I notice Marcel frown.

"Man… don't tell me you don't know the reference." When he doesn't answer, I add drily. "I forgot you have no life outside your work. It's about this couple who are both secret assassins and get their happily ever after."

He chuckles at my brief description. "You say that, but I don't think I've heard you talk about separation or divorce yet."

I ponder his words and have to admit he is right. While I saw our relationship in limbo, I didn't dare to think beyond that.

"I guess it's inevitable." I allow uncertainly.

"Is it? We'll see." Marcel says cryptically.

"What about you?" I give him a conspiratorial smile.

"Me? What about me?"

"Come on, don't tell your reaction to Agosti's sister was nothing. Did you know her?" The moment the words are out of my mouth, Marcel tenses, his fingers almost trembling on the steering wheel.

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