Making a Call

A young man was browsing through his laptop while looking at ads on the Dark Web. After letting Jennifer handle the permit issue, Michael immediately drove home. He realized that he was too patient with ER games and needed to strike now. Michael had been building up a reputation on the dark web. He had developed a list of contacts that he could use to get anything on the dark web, for a price.

First, Michael hired some hackers to keep ER games busy for a while. He paid one million dollars in bitcoins to Dragon squad. Dragon squad was a hacker group that could be ranked in top 25 of all the hacker organizations in the world. Michael did not think Dragon Squad could bring ER games down; he just wanted them to keep ER games busy for a couple of weeks so that he could train in peace. The real attack would start once he breaks through.

Michael then looked for Hitmen. He ended up hiring Mad dog; who was one of the top hitmen in the world. Michael paid Mad dog 500,000 dollars to take care of Lewis. The base fee was only 100,000; however, the price increased since Lewis was a high profile target. Fortunately, Mad dog promised to complete the task within a week.

Michael knew that Lewis was merely a pawn being manipulated by the big boss of ER games. However, taking out the pawn should give him enough time to make his breakthrough. Then he can permanently take care of ER games. After making sure that ER games will be busy for the next couple of weeks, Michael resumed training. He emptied his mind and let all his worries fade away.

While Michael was meditating, Jennifer was thinking of ways to deal with the letter from the city. First, she contacted Tiger security, the contractor who performed the security upgrades. The owner Darin agreed to meet Jennifer at the city hall.

Jennifer drove to the city hall and met up with Darin.

"I really can't understand why they revoked the approval. I followed all the proper codes and made sure the modifications were legal. " Darin explained. He had some contacts in the building inspector's office; therefore, he agreed to help Jennifer.

After waiting for one hour, they finally got to meet with the building inspector. Darnell Potter had been the building inspector for the city of Austin for nearly ten years. He had a reputation for being a tyrant who only respected those with political connections.

Jennifer handed Darnell the letter from the city and explained the issue.

" I remember you guys, People were saying that there was a new military base built in town. After I checked it out; I was surprised to see that it was a business office. There is nothing I can do. Those modifications are too much to be approved. It is a fire hazard." Darnell explained.

They argued back and forth for a while; however, Darnell refused to budge. Jennifer stormed out of the office in anger. The building inspector was clearly not cooperating on purpose. Jennifer felt like he was specifically targeting them.

Darin stepped out of the office and walked towards Jennifer.

" What did he say?" Jennifer asked. She knew that Darin was more familiar with the inspector so she hoped that he could get better answers.

" I can't say much, but I can say this. There is pressure from a third-party. Someone is trying to shut you down." Darin explained.

Now Jennifer was almost sure that it was ER games. " Well, what can we do?" She asked Darin.

" There is not much I can do. You're on your own." He replied.

" What! You are the contractor who made the modifications that were rejected! This is partly your fault." Jennifer tried to reason with Darin.

"Sorry I did what you paid me to do. Our business deal is over. Look, let me give you a word of advice; try to make a deal with the company that you angered. They are the only ones that can help you now." Darin warned and walked away.

Jennifer clenched her teeth in anger. She was repulsed by the contractor's behavior. As the builder, how could he bail on the project if it gets rejected? However, she understood that a local builder would probably be intimidated by ER games. Modern-day Corporations simply held too much power. The only ones that could go against them were other corporations.

Regardless, Jennifer was not ready to give up yet. She had plenty of experience dealing with mega-corporations and still had some tricks up her sleeve. She drove back to her office and started doing some research on the Building Inspector.

After Jennifer completed he research, She made a call.

" Hello thank you for calling Martha models. How can I help you?" The receptionist answered.

" I would like to speak to the Manager please." Jennifer replied.

" Can I ask why you want to speak to the manager?"

" I would like to chat with her about the weather." Jennifer replied.

There was silence on the line for a few seconds.

" I see, What name do I give the Manager madam?"

" You can tell her Lilly is calling." Jennifer replied.

The receptionist transferred her and after a minute the phone picked up.

" Lilly my darling, I haven't received a call from you in years. I thought you forgot about me. " A modulated voice transmitted over the phone. It was gentle yet wild, captivating yet reserved. Jennifer had not heard that voice since she left the business world for college.

" Oh Martha, you know I was away at College." Jennifer tried to vindicate herself.

" Yes, I heard you just graduated recently. Congratulations my dear. I also heard that you are with a new startup. I am glad you took that step. You could never shine in one of those old and stubborn companies." Martha kept talking for a while. She doted on Jennifer quite a bit.

Finally, she asked. " So I am guessing you did not call just to chit-chat?"

" Actually I called because I wanted to hire a model for someone." Jennifer admitted.

" Oh, making enemies again are we? Who is it for this time?"

" Darnell Potter, He is the chief building inspector." Jennifer answered.

" Oh, that moron? For him, I will have to get someone out of the city. When and where will it be?" Martha asked again.

" Next Tuesday. At a fundraiser ball held by the City for the Emergency services department. He will be alone since his wife is visiting her relatives." Jennifer explained. She had completely researched Darnell's life.

" Alright, It will be $50,000 for companionship with video delivery. Would you like to add medications for another $50,000?" Martha asked.

Jennifer considered for a moment. Michael had already given her permission to spend up to a hundred thousand dollars to deal with the issue; however, she did not want to use the full money.

" Yes, I would like to order the full package." Jennifer reluctantly agreed. She wanted to have enough to make him change his mind.

" Well thank you for choosing Martha Models. Wait for the good news on Wednesday darling." Martha replied and hung up.

Jennifer put the phone down and smiled. She was looking forward to facing the inspector next week.