"What?! You failed?"
Zachary stood in front of Howell, both trembling. Zachary did because of fear, Howell because of rage.
The thief had just arrived at the Crystal Cross Gang base to report the situation. Death was already there, but remained silent. Though the thief had much to say to the assassin, he knew speaking up would come at a steep price.
"I'm sorry, boss."
Howell whirled toward him in fury. The thief retreated, staying well beyond his boss's reach.
"I gave you one mission: take a stupid child... How the fuck could you fail like this? You even lost three team members!" Zachary didn't know what to say.
"The kid played it smart, boss! He created problem after problem. He called the teachers; damn, he even called his friends. He even knew we were targeting him and asked questions about his employer's death. Death can testify!" Zachary said.
"Is it true?" Howell asked the master assassin. "Indeed, the kid was quite smart," Death said.
