Chapter 5 Stolen Pieces

She sighed and answered.

"Hello?" she said.

"Ava!" a cheerful voice replied. It was Clara Humphreys, her friend. "Hey, girl! Are you free tomorrow? It's Saturday... day off! Come with me to Seven Skies headquarters. They're hosting singing auditions and I'm one of the judges. I want you to sit with me as my guest!"

Ava smiled, running her hand through her hair. "Clara... I wish I could go, really. But I have a patient tomorrow."

Clara paused. "Is it Ian?"

"Yes... he needs me. He can't do most things alone."

Clara's excitement faded. "Oh, Ava... I'm sorry. I really hoped you'd come. Well... tell Ian I said I hope he gets better soon."

"I will," Ava said.

"Alright then. Take care, Ava. Call me if you change your mind."

"I will. Thanks, Clara."

The call ended.

Meanwhile, Alexine and Sasha walked side by side along the quiet sidewalk. Sasha hugged her backpack tighter, while Alexine swung hers loosely, mimicking a tune she had heard earlier on the radio.

"Can you believe Mr. Gray gave us homework on a Friday?" Alexine groaned dramatically, tossing her head back. "That man doesn't want us to rest."

Sasha laughed. "You're the one who loves the class."

"Yeah, but I love sleep too," Alexine shot back, grinning.

They kept walking until Alexine suddenly stopped mid-step.

"Oh... wait!" Her eyes widened. "I almost forgot!" She dropped her bag to the front, unzipped it, and dug through a mess of cables, notebooks, and headphone parts. "I knew there was something I wanted to show you yesterday."

She pulled out a folded printed paper and held it up like it was treasure.

Sasha watched her, raising her eyebrows. "What's that?"

"The auditions!" Alexine said, shaking the paper. "The singing auditions at the Seven Skies headquarters... tomorrow! I meant to show you, but Dylan distracted me with his weird love-note nonsense."

Sasha blinked, her curiosity rising. "Let me see."

Alexine handed it over eagerly and Sasha read it slowly, tilting her head a little.

"They're looking for a singer..." She murmured. "Tomorrow at 9 a.m."

"Yes!" Alexine clapped once. "And guess what? You are going."

Sasha lifted her head quickly. "What? Alexine, I... I don't know about that." Her brows narrowed. "Where did you even get this?"

"Dylan," Alexine said, flipping her hand. "He gave me the paper yesterday. He wants me to join the auditions but, Sasha..." She leaned in with a grin. "You know I can't sing to save my life. If I open my mouth on that stage, the judges will jump out the window."

Sasha tried not to smile. "You're not that bad."

"Oh please, I'm terrible," Alexine said proudly. "But Dylan believes in impossible things. That's why I'm giving this to you."

Sasha folded the paper slowly. "I don't know, Alexine... I've never sung in front of a crowd before. What if I mess up? What if they laugh?"

Alexine stopped walking and placed both hands on Sasha's shoulders.

"Sasha..." she said with a smile. "You have a voice that makes people stop and listen. I'm serious. When you sing, even birds come to listen." She nudged Sasha's arm lightly. "You can do this. I believe in you. I always have."

Sasha was unsure whether to look away or laugh. "You really think I should go?"

"I KNOW you should go," Alexine said loudly, throwing her hands in the air. "If you don't, I'll personally drag you there myself. And you know I'll do it. I'm strong."

Sasha shook her head, laughing. "Okay, okay... fine. I'll go."

Alexine cheered, pumping a fist. "YES! That's what I'm talking about. Tomorrow at 9 a.m., superstar Sasha Smith takes the stage!"

"You're too much," Sasha said, but she couldn't hide the smile forming slowly on her lips.

They continued walking toward Melody Lane Music School. Sasha was now quiet, holding the audition flyer close, and Alexine walking beside her with a proud grin.

Maverick Cruz sat alone in his office that morning, elbows on the desk, eyes narrowed at the small packages laid out before him. The room smelled of wine and expensive cologne. He moved each bag closer, checking the seals carefully.

"MDMA... clean," he muttered. He picked up another small packet, holding it to the light. "Coke... strong batch. Seven Skies better pay double for this one."

He pushed the bags into a black duffel bag, whistling as he worked. For a moment, he had forgotten about Channel Holland. Then he reached for his phone and dialed his driver.

The man picked up on the second ring. "Boss?"

"Rico," Maverick said, "I need you to deliver a package to Seven Skies club tonight, no delays."

On the other end, Rico breathed out quickly, like he was already moving. "I'm in the city right now, doing the Bianchi drop. Might take me a little longer, boss."

Maverick's eyes darkened, and he leaned back in his leather chair. "Handle it. I don't care how busy you are. Seven Skies gets theirs tonight."

"Yes, sir," Rico said at once.

"Good," Maverick said. "Don't make me call again."

He ended the call with a tap, tossing the phone onto the desk.

Before he could go back to sorting the last pile, a hard knock hit the door.

Maverick didn't look up. "Enter."

The door opened, and Dallas, his second in command stepped inside. He walked in quickly, straightening his shoulders as he stopped before the desk.

"Boss," Dallas said, catching his breath. "We got news. Channel Holland... she's graduating this morning at Ashford State University. Ceremony starts in ten minutes."

Maverick paused mid-motion, fingers curling around a packet. He slowly set it down, then lifted his gaze.

"So... today might be our chance," he said quietly.

Dallas nodded once. "Just tell me what you want."

Maverick stood from his chair, smoothing down the front of his shirt. "Bring me anything that can hold her DNA. Hair, saliva, sweat, anything. But listen..." He pointed a finger at Dallas. "Do not harm her. Not yet. And don't raise alarms. I don't want anyone panicking, especially her."

Dallas straightened, confidence returning to his face. "You'll have the DNA before the day ends. I promise."

"Good." Maverick waved him off with a flick of his hand. "Go."

Dallas left without another word, closing the door behind him.

Alone again, Maverick let out a slow breath, and he smiled.

"Soon," he murmured to himself, eyes drifting toward the window. "Soon I'll know everything about you, Channel Holland."

He sat back at his desk and pulled the last packets toward him. He worked quickly now, finishing sorting the drugs, but his mind was no longer fully on the job. It was already at Ashford State University, wondering what his men would bring back.

The grand hall of Ashford State University was filled with activity. Graduating students in blue gowns hurried inside, laughing, fixing their caps, waving to family in the rows of seats. Proud parents and excited siblings filled the aisles, taking photos and pointing at their favorites. The air was filled with a mixture of different perfume. There were people holding flowers, and some of the graduating students were having nerves.

Up front, staff members adjusted microphones and sorted their programs. The huge banners hanging from the ceiling - ASHFORD STATE UNIVERSITY CLASS OF THE YEAR - swayed gently from the movement of people.

Charlotte Holland entered through the side door. A soft gasp rose from nearby students when they noticed her. She wore a blue dress and she looked calm with a smile on her face.

Two university officials rushed toward her.

"Mrs. Holland, welcome," one said with a bright smile. "We're honored to have you today."

Charlotte nodded. "Thank you."

They escorted her to the reserved seat at the front row. As she sat, several cameras clicked. Her eyes scanned the hall... searching for her daughter.

The ceremony began with the chancellor stepping on stage and everyone was settled.

"Welcome to this special day..." the chancellor began.

Speech after speech followed; talks about the future, hard work, and pride. Then came the long list of names. Students walked across the stage, shaking hands, taking their moment in the bright light.

Channel Holland stepped on stage to applause that grew louder when Charlotte rose from her seat, clapping proudly. Channel's smile stretched wide; her cheeks couldn't hide her excitement. She received three awards: Academic Excellence in Media Studies, Best Short Film Project, and Leadership Award for Student Community Service.

When she walked off, Charlotte stood waiting and quickly pulled her into a hug. Cameras flashed as they posed together, Channel holding her flowers and certificates, both smiling and looking proud.

Meanwhile, in the crowd, Leon clapped loudly... cheering at almost every name. On the outside, he looked like a friendly stranger enjoying the event. But his stomach twisted, and his hands were sweating.

He kept repeating in his mind: Don't mess this up, Leon. Not for the boss.

He knew Maverick's consequences. He'd seen men lose fingers for "small mistakes." He'd seen one man vanish entirely for failing a simple task.

Leon swallowed hard. He could not afford to fail.

He checked his watch. Almost time.

Leon slowly opened a small wrapper and slipped the gum into his mouth. It was the extra–sticky kind; the kind that clung to anything it touched. He chewed it, feeling it soften, stretch, and turn glue-like.

The final remarks were made, thanking families and staff. People began to clap again, this time knowing it was the end. Charlotte and other high officials were guided out first.

Leon's eyes locked onto Channel as she left the hall laughing with her friends. She carried a huge bouquet and her graduation folder. She had no idea she was being followed.

Leon moved quickly, weaving through the crowd. He could hear his heartbeat thudding in his ears.

He caught up just as Channel turned toward the lawn outside.

He pretended to cough... then purposely spit the gum out.

It flew, landing right on her hair.